A man stopped by police in Whitland on suspicion of drink-driving, who was also found to be disqualified has narrowly escaped jail.
Forty-eight-year-old David Hagan, of Thorpes Field Road, Bampton, Oxfordshire, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to charges of driving his motor vehicle after exceeding the prescribed level of alcohol; driving whilst disqualified; and driving with no insurance.
Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court that on Thursday, July 11, police received a phone call from a witness who said that they smelt alcohol on the breath of Mr. Hagan whilst he was filling his vehicle up at Cross Hands petrol station.
“Police officers spotted him in his Vauxhall Vectra on the by-pass at Whitland, and then driving down West Street where they pulled him over.
“Mr. Hagan was unsteady on his feet and officers could smell alcohol on his breath. A roadside breath test proved positive, and after carrying out enquiries, officers discovered that the defendant was also disqualified from driving.
“He was handed a 36 month ban back in August of last year, and has also received bans for drink-driving back in 2014 and 2005,” explained Mr. Hussain.
Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that Mr. Hagan had an ‘unenviable record’ with his offending behaviour dating back to 1989 when he appeared at Tenby magistrates court and into the 90s.
“Since the turn of the century his offending behaviour slows down and is reduced considerably. He has a severe problem with alcohol that hasn’t been addressed.
“He made the foolish decision to jump in a vehicle from up where he works and come back to see his partner down this area, who suffers with mental health issues.
“Mr. Hagan is earning good money at his workplace, and his employer is sticking by him.
“He needs help to address his alcohol issues and that will not happen if he is given a short spell in jail, Yes it will be a short period of sobriety, but furthermore he will lose his job. Probation can give him the help he needs,” he added.
Probation officer Ms Verbal told magistrates that Mr. Hagan had told her that he can’t remember a day where he hasn’t had a drink, and tends to drink four to eight cans of strong lager a day.
“There is a significant alcohol issue that has been going on for some time. All his convictions are related to alcohol he tells me.
“Extensive work needs to be carried out with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service,” she added.
Magistrates handed Mr. Hagan a 16 week term of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of 35 days. He was also disqualified from driving for a further five years.
Mr. Hagan was told that he would also have to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £122.