Ex-teacher in drink-drive ban
A FORMER head of Welsh language at a Bridgend secondary school has been banned from driving after he was caught behind the wheel at more than three times the legal limit.
Llanelli Magistrates’ Court was told Huw Davies’ life had “spiralled down hill” since being convicted of an offence a decade ago.
Davies, 48, of Litchard Park, Bridgend, pleaded guilty on Thursday to a charge of drink-driving at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
He was disqualified for three and a half years.
Police pulled him over in his Peugot 407 at 7pm on the A40 at Carmarthen on January 30.
He had been driving home to Bridgend from Narberth after drinking in pubs with friends and could not afford a bed and breakfast for the night.
A breathalyser test found he had 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath, just over three times the legal limit which is 35.
Prosecutor
Carmel
Cockings said: “Officers had cause to stop a Peugot 407 which was being driven by the defendant.
“Officers could smell alcohol on him and his speech was slurred.
“This was the second drink drive offence he has committed, having already done so in 2017.”
Defence solicitor Giles Hayes said: “He was the head of Welsh at Brynteg school in Bridgend and had been a teacher for many years prior to his dismissal.
“I have known him for a long time and have witnessed his demise since 2010 when I was first instructed (by him) for that conviction.
“He finds himself in a shameful position, brought shame on his family, a well known church-going family in Bridgend.”
He said the family had written a statement of support to the court and Davies was accompanied in court by his elder brother, a retired superindendant at North Wales Police.
A probation report was carried out into Davies’ circumstance and proabtion officer Paul Pearson told the court: “He has no drug issues, alcohol is the issue and has mental health issues.
“He has spiralled down hill and turned to drink.”
The court heard Davies also suffered from PTSD from an accident two years ago and had anxiety and depression.
Mr Pearson added: “On the night in question, he went to Narberth to meet friends and had a few drinks in the pubs.
“He wanted to get a bed and breakfast but couldn’t afford it so was going to sleep in his car but then decided to drive home.”
Magistrates banned Davies from driving for 42 months and gave him an 18-month community order comprising of 120 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.
He must also pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £90.