A WELSHPOOL man crashed into two lampposts after getting behind the wheel, despite having drunk seven pints.

Benjamin Hughes, 33, was found walking around a housing estate in the Powys town after he fled from the scene of the accident, on October 29.

He entered guilty pleas to three charges, including drink driving, when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates heard on Tuesday, November 19, that Hughes, of Henfaes Lane, Welshpool, had got in his car as he waned to confront a person who had made disparaging remarks about his stepfather, who died several years ago, earlier in the day.

Hughes admitted drink driving, failing to report an accident and causing a vehicle to be left in a dangerous position on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said Hughes’ Volkswagen Golf was left in the middle of the road following the crash, which occurred on Brook Street.

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“Police received a call about a road traffic collision on Brook Street; a vehicle had collided with two lampposts,” said Mrs Tench.

“The driver was described as very drunk. The car had been left in the road, straddling the central white line.

“Witnesses said the male driver had fled, toward Bronybuckley. He was described as wearing a black coat, red top and blue jeans.

“Police found the defendant, who matched the description. He said he was the driver and had made off as he panicked.

“A roadside breath test was positive. He said he had drunk seven pints before driving.”

Hughes, who has no previous convictions, provided a reading of 64 micrograms of alcohol in his breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Gurleen Kaur, defending him, said Hughes was recently diagnosed with depression.

“On the day he had been out shopping and bumped into a colleague, so they went for a quick drink," said Ms Kaur.

“Another individual made horrific comments about his stepdad, who passed away 6 years ago. It caused significant emotional trauma.

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“He left the scene and contacted his mum, who said she’d also been receiving abusive messages regarding his stepdad.

“He decided to go and speak to this person, which is why he got in the car. It led to him driving – which is completely out of character.

“This person didn’t answer the door. On his way back he was overwhelmed and the reason this (crash) happened was because he’d made an attempt to take his own life.

“He left the scene out of panic. When police captured him he was fully compliant.”

Magistrates disqualified Hughes for 20 months – he can reduce this period by completing a drink driving rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £380 and must pay a £152 surcharge and £85 costs.