Fear of getting a parking ticket led to a Tenby teen to get behind the wheel while more than double the drink-drive limit, a court has heard.

Richard James Lewis, 19, of Haytor Gardens, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

A charge of driving without third party insurance was withdrawn by the prosecution

The court heard that Lewis went into Tenby for a quiet pint and a game of pool on July 3, but one drink led to another, and then another.

In interview he stated that he had made a ‘stupid decision’, and had not wanted to leave his car because he was worried about getting a parking ticket the next morning.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said: “A member of the public saw him getting into the vehicle and thought he had had a drink, so they rang the police.”

Police traced Lewis using the licence number of his Fiat Punto and found him at his home. He cooperated with the officers and was found to have 78mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit is 35mg.

Mr Pritchard-Jones added: “He was extremely remorseful in interview and said he would not do it again.”

Lewis, who represented himself, said: “I realise it was a stupid thing to do. I had no intention of drink-driving. I realise it was stupid and I am sorry.”

Magistrates banned him from driving for 17 months and fined £120. Lewis was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.