A POWYS drink driver described by a witness as being “barely able to walk” has escaped a prison sentence after he got behind the wheel despite the fact he’d been drinking since 8am.

William Alexander Killick admitted both drink driving and driving while disqualified when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last week.

The court was told the 41-year-old had convictions for both previously, and had even been jailed in 2016 for the same two offences.

Killick was banned from driving in May this year after he was convicted of being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

At court on Wednesday, November 22, Killick entered guilty pleas to the two charges, as well as a third of driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Adam Warner said police received multiple calls from witnesses after seeing Killick driving a Mitsubishi Shogun in Knighton on July 30.

“It was 4pm when police were first called, a witness told them a vehicle was revving and had crashed in Knighton Community Centre car park,” said Mr Warner.

“They described the defendant as being barely able to walk, and they thought he may be under the influence.

“The registration was provided but when police arrived, the defendant was not present, nor was his vehicle. He was seen driving erratically and had left the car park 10 minutes before police arrived.

“Police received another call from a witness, saying the defendant had driven into his vehicle and was drunk. He described him as falling over and being unsteady on his feet.

“A third call said the defendant had returned to his home address, where the police soon arrived. The defendant was not present, it was his partner’s address. Then there was some movement outside and the defendant was found in a camper van;.

“He was heavily under the influence and struggled to stay upright. Police decided he needed medical attention but in the back of the van he said ‘I don’t need hospital, I’m just a drink driver’.”

Mr Warner added: “He has a number of driving while disqualified convictions, and drink driving. In 2016 he received a custodial sentence for both matters."

The level of alcohol found in Killick’s breath was 87 micrograms – the legal limit is 35.

Owain Jones, acting for Killick, of Lower Goytre, Lloyney, said his client was “very apologetic and remorseful”.

“There are clearly issues. He lives under canvas in a farm shed," said Mr Jones. "A lady where he’s staying has written a sincere letter on his behalf.”

Probation officer Donna Davies told the court: “He had been drinking alcohol from 8am. This is not normal but a friend had bought alcohol so he joined them. He thinks he was going to a local show.

“On his thought process behind driving, he struggled to answer. He said his intoxication and poor emotional state were contributing factors.

“He was shocked by the incident and has no wish to drive again; he was worried about what could have happened.”

Magistrates told Killick his early guilty plea had saved him from going to prison. They instead banned him for 46 months.

He must complete a 12-month community order, with the maximum permitted 300 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation days.

He must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23950278.powys-driver-barely-able-walk-drinking-since-8am/

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)