4 days ago
Powys man drove drunk in Pool Road, Newtown, court is told
A Powys man made "the biggest mistake of his life" after he was caught drink driving.
The Seat Ibiza being driven by Leon Hamedi was pulled over by police in Newtown last month.
He gave a breathalyser reading of 82 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.
The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence at Welshpool Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday, June 10).
Helen Tench, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was seen stumbling out of the vehicle and went into a takeaway. He then got back into the car and drove off, and police followed him.
"He was stopped in Pool Road and was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and he smelled of alcohol."
Rob Hanratty, defending, told the court: "He is sorry, but he is thankful that no-one was injured in this incident.
"He has always been a kind and thoughtful person, but on this occasion he was neither kind nor thoughtful."
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Mr Hanratty explained Hamedi had been due to get a promotion at work and was hoping to start a family with his partner, but that has been put on hold since the incident.
And he said a driving ban would make his job difficult due to its remote location.
He continued: "He has always prided himself on his behaviour, and this has been the biggest mistake of his life. He has always tried to help others, but he let others and himself down, and he is ready to face the consequences of his actions."
Magistrates banned Hamedi, of Caersws, from driving for 17 months, but this can be reduced by 17 weeks if he completes a drink-driving awareness course.
