McDonald's workers tipped off police after becoming concerned that a young driver had driven to the restaurant while under the influence of alcohol, a court has heard.
Staff at the Welshpool fast food restaurant told Iestyn Parry to park his Vauxhall Astra in one of the parking bays while they waited for officers to arrive.
The 24-year-old told police, who could smell alcohol on him, that he had drunk a Peroni beer before giving a breath test reading of 57 micrograms of alcohol in his breath - the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
The court was told that the college student felt under pressure and "realises it was daft to drive in these circumstances".
Parry, from Llanwddyn, near Llanfyllin, was given a 14-month driving ban after pleading guilty to the offence when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (June 27).
OTHER NEWS:
- Hammer-wielding protestors behind destructive rampage at Powys factory jailed
- Group takes on epic 4x4 drive across the Powys countryside
- 17.5-acre Powys equestrian facility with American feel up for sale
Paul Inns, mitigating for Parry who had pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, said: "He went out that evening with a few friends with the intention to have one pint and the driver seems a little under peer pressure and actually had three pints albeit over a period of time.
"He went for food and realises it was daft to drive in these circumstances."
Mr Inns said the first-year plumbing and electrical student - "two good trades" - had asked to be allowed to attend a drink-drive awareness course which was granted by the magistrates to reduce his driving ban by 14 weeks if it is completed on time.
Magistrates also ordered him to pay £365 to the court.
Chair of the magistrates' bench Sarah Sargent told Parry: "We’ve heard today of your previous very good character and clean licence, and very sadly both with that action have now gone.
"If you’re in a rural area you need your car. More importantly, if you’re going out, especially with your friends, the designated driver does not drink, and peer pressure is decreased. You wouldn’t do it to the designated driver when you next drink. But we are where we are today. "
She added: "The amount of 57 microgrammes is very near the next bracket up so we cannot give you the minimum ban. From this moment onwards you cannot drive for 14 months."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here