A POWYS man who “acknowledges he has a problem with drink” has been disqualified from driving for nearly two years after he was found to be more than double the drink drive limit at the scene of a crash.
Thomas Brooks, 35, caused “significant” damage to his BMW on October 16 last year, having drunk whisky that he had been given as a birthday present.
At Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week, Brooks, from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, admitted drink driving.
The defendant was spoken to by police following a road traffic collision on the B4391, between Penybontfawr and Llangynog in northern Powys.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said it was around 10am when the accident occurred.
“Police arrived on the scene of an RTC, where significant damage was caused to a BMW,” she said.
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“Officers located the defendant after he had received treatment. A member of the public told the officers they thought they smelt alcohol on the defendant and they could also smell alcohol.
“A positive roadside sample was provided and he was arrested. The defendant claimed he had drunk after the collision, but he has provided a guilty plea today.”
Mrs Tench said Brooks, of Waterfall Street, Llanrhaeadr, had no previous convictions. The level of alcohol in Brooks’ blood was 190 milligrams – the legal amount is 80 milligrams.
Owain Jones, representing Brooks, said: “He is ever so sorry for this offence and deeply regrets his actions.
“He makes no excuse for his behaviour and causing the accident. Fortunately, no-one was hurt.
“It was his birthday a few days before. He didn’t drink on his birthday but was given a present the night before the incident, a bottle of whisky. It helps him sleep.
“He has woken up and mistakenly thought he was OK to drive, when he was not. It was extremely bad judgement.
“He acknowledges he has a problem with drink. He doesn’t drink regularly, but he binge drinks. He is serious about his weakness. He has sought help since the incident from other organisations and has been enrolled with Kaleidoscope since 2021.”
Brooks was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
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