A Cardigan man was nearly four times the drink drive limit when he crashed his mother’s car into a wall, a court has heard.

David James Everett, aged 42, of Flat 3, 6 Pendre, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates to face four charges, via video link from Swansea prison, on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or third party insurance, aggravated vehicle taking and driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

The court heard that police received a report that a drunk driver had crashed into a church wall at Aberystwyth Road, Cardigan, on July 27.

The arrived at the scene at 3.11pm and found a Ford Fiesta in a hedge. The defendant was slumped in a chair in the back room of a nearby store, and was unable to walk in a straight line when escorted out by police.

He gave a reading of 132mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when tested at the police station, the legal limit is 35mg.

Police found he had an expired driving licence, and the following day he admitted taking his mother’s car without her knowledge.

The court heard that Everett had a previous conviction for drink driving, and had been recalled to prison after the incident, as he was on licence for robbery.

Alan Lewis, defending, said his client had alcohol problems, and had driven to Aldi while intoxicated.

He said: “Alcohol has ravaged his later years. He has admitted that and sought help.”

Magistrates said the alcohol level was ‘extremely high’.

The presiding magistrate added: “They are very serious offences indeed. This is one of the highest readings we have seen in this court in recent years.”

Everett was given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from driving for five years. He was also ordered to complete an alcohol activity requirement and to take an extended retest before getting his licence back.

He will also have to pay a £80 victim surcharge and £631.22 compensation.