A MAN who crashed into a field after getting behind the wheel of his van has been banned from the road for a second time for drink driving.

Martin Nash, 57, was found in a field near Caersws on August 7 after crashing his Citroen Berlingo while more than twice the legal drink drive limit.

He admitted one charge of drink driving at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 27.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said police attended the scene of a road traffic collision on the A489 at Penstrowed at around 9.45pm.

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“PC Woodington saw an ambulance on the scene and a male who was not injured, but had superficial injuries,” said Mrs Tench.

“There had been a collision and his vehicle was found in a field. The officer smelt alcohol and when he asked he said he’d been drinking.

“There was no breath test at the scene, but he was arrested as he was deemed unfit to drive. He was interviewed the next day and fully admitted the offence.

“He has a like offence on his record, but it is outside the 10-year period.”

When he did eventually provide a breath sample at the station, Nash’s reading was 79 micrograms of alcohol – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Representing unemployed Nash, of St Marys Close, Chirk, near Wrexham, Rob Hanratty said: “He had very unfortunately been drinking.

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“He lost control of his vehicle but stayed at the scene and was very cooperative. 2007 was the previous drink drive offence so I hope you would offer him the [drink drive] course. He has a full, clean licence.”

Nash was disqualified for 20 months but can reduce the period if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation programme.

Magistrates also fined him £120 and told him to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.