DILIGENT police officers saved the life of a drunk driver whose car disappeared down a steep bank following a crash, magistrates have heard.

Sayed Almaghrabi, aged 36, of Tyrhos, Tanygroes, was convicted of driving while over the legal alcohol limit on April 4, and appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday.

The court heard that officers were travelling on the A484 Cenarth to Llechryd road at 2.47am on June 19, when they spotted bits of tree branch on the carriage way.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said: “Fortunately they had the forethought that something was not quite right.

"They went back to the location, shone a light down a steep bank and saw the vehicle.”

Almaghrabi was lying near his car with serious injuries and had to be recovered from the precarious position by emergency service staff.

Officers noticed a smell of alcohol, but were unable to take a roadside sample due to severe lacerations on the defendant’s face.

A blood test taken at the hospital found Almaghrabi had 191mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, the legal limit is 80mg.

He suffered a dislocated hip, fractured jaw, lacerations and lost three teeth as a result of the crash. The court heard his lip was left hanging off and he had no recollection of driving or the accident.

Magistrates heard that self-employed Almaghrabi, who had a previous conviction for a similar offence, was involved with youth work locally and abroad, and ran DJ and art workshops. He had recently returned from assisting with refugees in Greece.

Colin Taylor, defending, said: “Mr Almaghrabi is the total loser here. His vehicle has been written off and he suffered serious injuries.

“There was no injury to others, no evidence of speed and no aggravation with police officers because he was unconscious in a field.”

Mr Taylor added: “He expresses his thanks to the police officers for being so diligent and no doubt saving his life.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 70 hours of unpaid work, a ten-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a 16-session drink-impaired drivers programme.

Almaghrabi was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 42 months.