A POWYS farmer has been banned from driving for a second time after admitting his second drink driving offence.

Gwyn Jones, who farms just outside Welshpool, was more than three times the legal drink drive limit when he crashed into another motorist on the B4392 near Guilsfield five days before Christmas.

Jones, 55, admitted he had been drinking gin in the lead-up to the accident, which caused damage to the other vehicle and injured the other driver – the victim attended Welshpool Magistrates’ Court last week along with his family to see the sentence handed down.

The accident occurred on Tuesday, December 20, between Guilsfield and Arddleen when Jones’ Ford Ranger Wildtrak had pulled out of a junction; he had failed to see the other car approaching.

Police were called and noted Jones “smelt strongly” of alcohol. He was breathalysed and produced a reading of 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

Jones, of Wern Farm, Pool Quay, admitted one charge of drink driving on Tuesday, January 24.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the crash happened at around 4.30pm.

“He was breathalysed and said he had drunk gin one hour previously. He admitted drink driving in an interview, saying he had pulled out of a junction and couldn’t see the other car,” she said.

Acting for the defendant, Owain Jones said his client had sought counselling since the incident, as well as help for his alcohol issues.

“The defendant is remorseful for the accident,” said Mr Jones.

“There are no details of injury or damage. It is noteworthy he cooperated at the roadside and made full admissions."

Mr Jones said character references had been submitted on behalf of his client, as well as a letter from his GP explaining he is on medication.

Mr Jones, together with a pre-sentence report from the probation service, painted a picture of a man who had turned to drink more following financial worries concerning the family farm during and post the Covid-19 pandemic.

“He is a well-liked person and it is upsetting for everyone to see he’s had this downturn in fortunes,” said Mr Jones.

Jones had a previous drink driving offence dating to 2004.

Probation officer Oliver Heard said Jones told him he had been under a “great deal of stress” at the time of the incident.

“He had been drinking spirits in the morning (of this offence) and was fully aware he’d broken the law," he said. 

“Alcohol has been a significant problem for him for years. He has suffered with depression for which he’s had counselling and is prescribed medication.”

In banning Jones from driving for two years, magistrates also ordered him to undertake a 12-month community order – which will include completing 100 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, in addition to adhering to a six -month alcohol treatment programme.

He must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs. He can reduce the length of the ban if he successfully completes a drink drive awareness programme.