A POWYS man who won over £1 million pounds on the People’s Postcode Lottery earlier this year has been banned from driving after crashing his brand-new Mercedes while over the drink drive limit.
Kevin Jones, from Llandrindod Wells, scooped a little over £1.2 million in January after being the only player in the full winning postcode. Each ticket was worth £403,638 – but as the 58-year-old had three tickets, he won £1,210,914.
Jones, of Cefnllys Lane, appeared at the spa town’s magistrates court on Wednesday, June 19, where he admitted one charge of drink driving.
Jones, whom the court heard is now “retired and lives on his investments”, was caught after police received a call from his new Mercedes C220 AMG, which automatically reported the accident on May 15.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said the car alerted police after Jones crashed through a bridge and landed in a stream on the A483 near Llanbadarn Fynydd at about 6pm.
The court heard on Wednesday Jones had drunk four or five cans of cider earlier in the day and thought he was fine to drive.
“Police received a Telematrix call from the car talking to the police station regarding an accident near Llanbadarn Fynydd,” said Mr Sprunks.
“An officer who was first on the scene spoke to the defendant who was the owner of the Mercedes.
“There was an adult female passenger and the car had ended up in a river following a sharp offside bend.
“The defendant was unsteady on his feet and was slurring his words; the officer formed the opinion he was under the influence.
“A breath test was positive and he was arrested.”
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Mr Sprunks said Jones had 12 previous convictions for 20 offences, including a number of road traffic offences, with the last in 1995.
The alcohol reading provided by Jones was 55 micrograms in breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Huw Williams, representing Jones, said he had been driving his daughter home to Newtown from Llandrindod at about 5.30pm when the accident occurred.
“He told officers he had drunk about 4-5 cans of dark fruits cider earlier that day, between 11am-12pm,” said Mr Williams.
“He rarely drinks but had a few that morning. He honestly didn’t think he’d be over the limit."
He said Jones was getting used to a new set of tyres, adding: “He came round a corner and the back end slid towards bridge. He couldn’t correct it and crashed through barriers and into the brook. He suffered a slight concussion."
Mr Williams said Jones cooperated with police and told them “I am very sorry and thank you for doing a good job”.
“He is ashamed and embarrassed,” added Mr Williams.
“He went back to see who he thought was the owner of the railings, a farmer, to make recompense.
“The farmer asked for a significant amount, but they’re not even his, but he will liaise with Powys County Council over payment."
He added that Jones travels to look after his elderly parents two to three times a week, as well as to look after his daughter.
Mr Williams added: “He is retired and lives on his investments”, adding that his weekly income is "significant".
Magistrates banned Jones from driving for 14 months, which can be reduced by completing a drink driving rehabilitation course.
He was fined £440 and told to pay a £176 surcharge and £85 costs – Jones said he would pay the full amount within 28 days.
The defendant told the bench as he left the dock: “I’d just like to say thank you and I’m genuinely very sorry.”
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