A CARDIGAN drink-driver had been jilted by his fiancee just hours after the couple had been planning their wedding, a court has heard.

David Townsend, 47, of Rhydyfelin, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that police spotted Townsend’s Ford Mondeo being driven erratically on the evening of August 21, and witnessed a near collision with another vehicle as it swerved across the centre of the road.

Rhian Jones, prosecuting, said: “Police stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver.

“There was a strong smell of alcohol, his speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot.

“He was also unsteady on his feet.”

A roadside breath test proved positive and Townsend was found to have 106mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when taken to Haverfordwest police station. The legal limit is 35mg.

Alan Lewis, defending, said Townsend had made a full and frank admission, and acknowledged he had been driving to police straight away.

“He didn’t plan to drive that evening,” said Mr Lewis.

“His car was parked outside his then girlfriend’s house and they had been planning their wedding that day.

“He went to watch a football match, and was told the relationship was over when he came back.

“They had their banns read two days earlier.

“He was shocked and upset, and is still very upset about it.”

Townsend decided he needed to take his car to his house, and the bench heard he had only driven about 200 yards before being stopped by the police.

Mr Lewis added: “It’s a heartbreaking tale.

“His head was all over the place and he made the foolish decision to drive.”

Following a report from the probation service, magistrates sentenced Townsend to a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 50 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £85 surcharge.

Magistrates banned him from driving for two years.