A FORMER soldier who took a bullet while serving in Afghanistan has been banned from driving for three-and-a-half years.

Marcus Idris Parkinson was found to be more than three times the legal drink drive limit when he was stopped by police near Builth Wells on October 13.

Landrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court was told this week that alcohol had been an issue for the 43-year-old for a number of years, but that he had been experiencing a “great deal of trauma” recently after family bereavements.

Parkinson, of Newbridge-on-Wye, pleaded guilty to drink driving when appearing at court on Wednesday, November 23. He also admitted driving without a licence and insurance.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said Parkinson was stopped while driving a Mini Cooper on the A483 in Llanelwedd at around 3pm.

“A roadside test was positive and he was arrested," said Mr Challinor. "He indicated to the officer he was on his way back from work. A check revealed he had an expired licence, having never reapplied for it following a previous motoring offence. His insurance also didn’t have commuting cover.”

Mr Challinor said a reading provided by the defendant showed there to be 117 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath – the legal limit is just 35 micrograms.

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Representing Parkinson, who was banned for drink driving in 2017, Gavin Rofer said: “Given the level of alcohol, it puts the offence into the community punishment bracket.

“He has expressed genuine remorse and has been very open about the difficulties he’s had of late.

“Not only is he battling PTSD as a consequence of his time in the armed services, the recent bereavements of his brother and uncle were extremely unexpected and have perhaps had an understandable effect on him.

“He is someone who gives a great deal to the community, both in terms of his service and his job, helping those with dementia and those with limited lives."

Mr Rofer said Parkinson’s previous conviction for drink driving meant he faced a minimum disqualification period of 3 years.

Probation officer Oliver Heard said: “Mr Parkinson accepts responsibility and doesn’t seek to minimise the impact of this offence.

“At the time of the offence he was experiencing a great deal of trauma. He turned to alcohol to cope with this. He had been on a three-day binge at the time of the offence.

“He was disqualified in May 2017 for drink driving and I fear this second offence is starting to form a pattern of behaviour.

“Alcohol has been a problem for him for years, he uses it as a coping mechanism. He suffered a bullet wound while serving his country in Afghanistan."

Parkinson told magistrates “I don’t want to drive again to be honest” as they banned him for 42 months – but he can reduce this by 42 weeks if he successfully completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.

He must also comply with a 12-month community order, which includes a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement. Additionally, he will also have to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was fined £332 and must pay a £114 surcharge, as well as £85 costs.