Llanelli Star

Store guard was drink-driving

Security man crashed at lights

- Ian Lewis @IanLewis80 ian.lewis@mediawales.co.uk 07790 591150

A SUPERMARKE­T security guard driving under the influence of alcohol collided with another car at traffic lights in Llanelli.

Owen James Neil, of Pwll Road, Llanelli, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrate­s’ Court on Thursday to a charge of drink-driving.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter said that on November 25, shortly after midnight police were called to a two vehicle collision at traffic lights at Gelli-Onn, along the A484 in Llanelli town centre.

She added: “Police opened the door of the Ford car and asked the defendant to get out.

“He was given a roadside breathalys­er test which gave a reading of 63 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitre­s of breath.” The legal limit is 35. Neil made no comment about the collision when interviewe­d by police.

Mrs Cutter went on to say: “The accident itself, there were two vehicles involved at the traffic lights.”

District judge Christophe­r James said: “The defendant braked too late and crashed into the back of the car in front, as I understand.”

Mrs Cutter confirmed this was the case.

Defence solicitor Laura Sherwood said Neil, 30, accepted the offence, adding: “He has no previous conviction­s and is in longterm employment as a security guard in Asda, a job he has held for some 12 years.”

She added: “Shortly before the accident, he had applied to join the Navy but that is on hold pending the outcome of this hearing.

“However, Asda have said he can continue working there.”

Judge James said: “The accident is the aggravatin­g feature here.”

Turning to Neil in the dock, he added: “You will know graphicall­y all too well the risks of driving while under the influence of alcohol having caused a road traffic accident.

“Alcohol affects your reactions and on this occasion the vehicle in front, you say, braked too quickly and you were too close behind to react quick enough.”

Neil was fined £300 for the drink-drive offence and disqualifi­ed from driving for 18 months.

He was also told to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

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