A POWYS farmer was banned from driving a second time after pleading guilty to a second DUI offense.
Gwynne Jones, a farmer just outside Welshpool, was more than three times the legal drunk driving limit when she collided with another driver in a B4392 near Gillsfield five days before Christmas.
Jones, 55, admitted he was drinking gin prior to the accident, which damaged other vehicles and injured other drivers.Below.
The accident occurred on Tuesday 20 December between Gilsfield and Ardline when Jones’ Ford Ranger Wildtruck pulled through a junction. He missed other cars approaching.
Police were called and it was noted that Jones had “strongly smelled” alcohol. He had a breath test and found he had 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of his breath. The legal limit is he 35 micrograms.
Jones of Warne Farm, Poole Quay, pleaded guilty to a DUI charge on Tuesday, January 24.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m.
“He had a breath test and said he drank gin an hour ago. He admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol in an interview and said he didn’t see any other cars when he came out of an intersection.
Defendant’s attorney, Owain Jones, said his client had sought counseling since the incident and had also sought help with alcohol problems.
“The defendant regrets the accident,” Jones said.
“There are no details of injuries or damage.
Jones said character references were submitted on behalf of his client, as well as a letter from his primary care physician explaining that he was on medication.
Along with a pre-sentence report from the probation office, Jones drew a photo of a man drinking more due to financial worries about his family farm during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“He’s a well-liked person and everyone is upset to see his fortunes turned so bad,” Jones said.
Jones had a previous DUI offense dating back to 2004.
Probation officer Oliver Hurd said Jones said he was under “a lot of stress” at the time of the incident.
“He was drinking spirits the morning[of this crime]and was fully aware that he had broken the law,” he said.
“Alcohol has been a significant problem for him for years. He has depression and has been counseled and prescribed medication.”
In barring Jones from driving for two years, the magistrate ordered a 12-month community order. This includes complying with an alcohol treatment program for six months, plus completing 100 hours of unpaid work and his 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. .
You will also have to pay a surcharge of £114 and a cost of £85. If he successfully completes the DUI Awareness Program, he can have his ban period reduced.