AN aspiring carpenter who drove into a fence in Powys after drinking has been praised after returning to the scene and repairing it.

Bradlee Joseph, 18, was chastised for drink driving by magistrates sitting in Welshpool this week, but they acknowledged he had done a good thing by going back to the scene to repair the fence he had damaged on June 5.

Joseph, of Dinam Terrace, Newtown, admitted one charge of drink driving at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 25.

Prosecutor Gareth Parry said he had initially driven off in his red Volkswagen Polo after colliding with the fence, but quickly returned to face the music.

“Police were informed of a road traffic collision on Lon Maesycoed, where the defendant had reversed into a fence, knocking it down,” said Mr Parry.

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“The complainant indicated that the defendant had driven off initially, then came back. He was slurring his words.

“Officers found the defendant at the scene, who confirmed he had been driving the car. He appeared under the influence.”

The teenager was arrested after a roadside breath test indicated 48 micrograms of alcohol in his breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Mr Parry said he had no previous convictions.

Rob Hanratty, defending Joseph, said his client had got in his car to give a friend a lift home. “It was a misguided favour for a friend who’d asked for a lift,” said Mr Hanratty.

“It shows a lack of understanding of the effects of drink and driving.

“He hadn’t driven very far and he didn’t think he hit the fence all that hard. He was surprised when it fell over.

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“He returned to the scene and you’ll be pleased to know he’s an apprentice carpenter and, as a result, he has returned to Mrs Gardner and apologised and repaired the fence himself.

“He works for a very reputable local firm and is a hard-working, clean-living young man.”

Dr Rachael Jones, chair of the bench, said: “Drink driving is a really bad offence, but there is one positive thing, in that you went back and apologised. Some people wouldn’t have driven back.”

Joseph was fined £300 and told to pay a £120 surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned from driving for 12 months, but can reduce this if he completes a drink driving awareness course.