Scaffolder downed bottle of Jack Daniels with pal before crashing company van

Scott Gary Reeves, aged 25, of Maesyffynnon, Lloyd Terrace, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates to admit aggravated vehicle taking, driving while over the legal alcohol limit, without a valid licence or third party insurance.

The court heard how Reeves, who was working as a scaffolder, went drinking in a pub with a friend after finishing work at midday on March 3.

The pair drank a bottle of Jack Daniels bourbon.

He then returned to work to collect his wages, drove away in an Iveco Daily from the yard, but lost control and overturned at Bryngwyn, Newcastle Emlyn.

He was found to have 75mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit is 35mg.

Alison Mathias, defending, said Reeves had made a full and frank admission to the police, and had been employed by the firm for 10 weeks before the incident.

“He and his work colleagues consumed alcohol, and for reasons unknown he returned to the employer’s address and took the vehicle.

“He does not remember taking it at all. There was an accident, but there were no other vehicles involved.”

She added that Reeves apologised to his employer the following day and offered to pay for any damage. He also visited the owner of the house near the incident to apologise for any inconvenience caused

The bench heard that Reeves lost his job as a result of the incident, but hoped to secure another soon.

Miss Mathias added: “He is genuinely remorseful and embarrassed by his behaviour.

“Because of this incident he has gone round each shop and pub in Newcastle Emlyn asking them to ban him, to assist him, as the supply of alcohol is not readily available to him.”

Following a report from the probation service, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay £85 court costs plus a £60 victim surcharge.