Teenage Powys mechanic banned after picking up friend

Joseph Liam Metcalf, 18, was pulled over by police in Llandrindod Wells on April 8 after officers on patrol spotted his silver Ford Fiesta driving at speed – the vehicle was also described as missing its front bumper, as well as a headlight and there was no licence plate.

The Builth Wells teen admitted drink driving when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 26.

Metcalf was stopped on Temple Street in the early hours of the morning and arrested when he was found to be over the limit – he provided a reading of 54 micrograms; the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said the incident occurred just after 1am. “The condition of the vehicle caused concern to officers; there was no front bumper and a headlight was missing,” she said.

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“There was no licence plate and he was also travelling at speed. He was pulled over and a roadside breath test was positive. The vehicle was seized and towed due to the condition of it.”

She said Metcalf, of Cwrt-y-Castell, Builth, was of previous clean character.

Acting for the defendant, Gareth Walters said his client would likely keep his job as he cannot be insured to drive on the road for his employer until he turns 21.

“It’s a shame to see his clean character lost so soon after turning 18,” said Mr Walters.

“It was a foolish decision, one he will come to regret. He had been at home on the evening, drinking there.

“He had a call from a friend in Llandrindod who was stranded and asked for a lift. Unfortunately, he didn’t hesitate.

“He later found his front bumper on the driveway at home. He had received some advisory notes regarding the car, but the bumper shouldn’t have fallen off; he thinks he must have knocked the bumper off on the wall as he left.

“He is an apprentice mechanic, but he can’t be on the road or insured until he’s 21 so the ban won’t have as much of an impact as if he was older.

“He helps care for his elderly grandmother who has COPD; he does her shopping, so she may suffer.”

Metcalf was banned from driving for 16 months, but he can reduce this if he successfully completes a drink driving awareness course.

Magistrates also fined him £220 and he must pay an £88 surcharge and £85 costs.