A new dad with "extremely poor engagement and no motivation" to complete part of his court order has been told that he must not drink alcohol for the next eight weeks.
Gareth Clarkson, 22, of Bron Gungrog, Welshpool, admitted failing to give a reasonable excuse for missing unpaid work on April 13 and July 27.
Probation officer Joseph Long told Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 10, that Clarkson's engagement with his probation practitioner had been "very good with good insight into his behaviour", adding that he "acknowledges that he does not think under the influence of alcohol".
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The court heard that Clarkson's rehabilitation requirement days were "initially very poor”, but his motivation had recently changed and was willing to engage with the requirement of his suspended sentence order.
However, during the 12-month order, which was revoked and resentenced in September 2023, Clarkson completed 22 out of 70 hours of unpaid work. Mr Long told the court that Clarkson's engagement had been "extremely poor with no motivation”, and an attitude that was "very much unchanged" since he was resentenced but "to his credit he has recently found motivation".
Robert Hanratty, representing Clarkson, told the court: "Since April, Gareth, who is quite enthusiastic about becoming a father, and his partner encountered severe complications with the pregnancy. He's thrilled she's just come home after being in hospital for some time.
"Gareth does accept responsibility for this breach."
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The magistrates decided to revoke and resentence the 12-month order which includes 35 hours of unpaid work instead of the recommended 50 hours by the probation service and an alcohol monitoring tag for 56 days.
Nerys Jones, chair of the magistrates' bench, told Clarkson: "We are pleased to hear from your solicitor that you accept responsibility for the breach and your motivation to continue.
"We have decided to reduce the unpaid work hours to help the situation and help your motivation to continue and succeed."
Clarkson thanked the bench as he left the dock.
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