A MAN whose job as a test engineer for Nimbus takes him all through England and Wales as well as to Asia has been banned from driving for 12 months by Abergavenny Magistrates after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge.
Robert Clive Hills, aged 31, of Gellirhwy Road, Garndiffaith, was told that the period of disqualification would be reduced by three months if he completes the drivers' rehabilitation scheme by September 28th. He was also fined £250.
Mr John Williams, prosecuting, told the court that the incident arose when officers spoke to the defendant at a petrol station near Raglan. They had received a report that he had been involved in an accident, although there were no proceedings arising from the accident, said Mr Williams.
On speaking to Mr Hills, they smelt intoxicants on his breath. A roadside test proved positive and a breath test produced a reading of 51 micrograms of alcohol, the legal limit being 35.
Defending, Mr Ashley Harkus asked the Magistrates to give Mr Hills credit for his guilty plea. The accident was due to a mechanical failure - he had pulled in and walked down the road to telephone.
On the day in question Mr Hills had changed to a new job and had been taken out to celebrate. He had limited himself to two pints. "He thought he would be all right but he wasn't," said Mr Harkus.
While his employers were willing to keep him on, he would have to arrange for a lift to and from work, said Mr Harkus.