3 days ago
Ban for Llandrindod man who only passed test in January
A POWYS man who only passed his driving test in January has had his licence taken off him, after he was convicted of drink driving.
Isaac Chawasarira, 39, was found 'rolling back towards the road' by police who had been contacted following concerns regarding his manner of driving in Llandrindod Wells in the early hours of May 3.
He was arrested after failing a roadside breath test, with Chawasarira found to be more than double the drink drive limit.
Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday, June 3, that Chawasarira, a Zimbabwe national who came to the UK in 2012 as an asylum seeker, had only passed his driving test four months previously.
He pleaded guilty to one charge of drink driving at this week's hearing.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said police received a call at around 4am regarding the manner of Chawasarira's driving in the town centre.
'His grey Mercedes was spotted by police,' said Mr Sprunks.
'Its headlights were on and it was parked on the side of Spa Road. He was seen to slowly be reversing up a lane.
'PC Davies approached him and he started rolling back towards the road, near the Log Cabin. He shouted at the driver to brake. He didn't appear to have full control.
'He got out and the officer smelt intoxicants. He was slurring his words and struggling to find the right ones.
'He failed a roadside breath test and made repeated comments about being drunk.'
Mr Sprunks said the defendant has no previous convictions. A reading provided by Chawasarira showed 81 micrograms of alcohol in his breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Representing Chawasarira, of High Street, Llandrindod, Simon Collingham, said: 'The first thing he'd like to say is how utterly ashamed he is of his behaviour. He is thoroughly ashamed.
'The only saving grace is that no-one was injured.
'He had parked his car earlier in the day, in a restricted area. He didn't want to move car in the morning, as he was getting up early for work, so he decided to move it. It was an extremely poor error in judgement.
'He is a Zimbabwe national, who came to the UK in 2012 as an asylum seeker, where he was repatriated with other family members.
'He has worked various jobs and now works for National Rail, doing track maintenance. He is highly regarded by those who work with him.
'This has had a devastating impact on him. He only passed test in January. He won't lose his job as he is not allowed to drive for National Rail currently, as he's a new and inexperienced driver.
'This is a gentleman the court will probably never see again.'
Magistrates disqualified Chawasarira from driving for 20 months; he can reduce this ban by completing a drink driving rehabilitation course.
He was fined £600 and must also pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs.
