Optimistic magistrates told a drink-driving Narberth man that getting fit was a silver-lining of losing his licence for 20 months.

Gareth Scale, of Redstone Court, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, July 17.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Scale’s BMW was stopped by police who were performing routine checks on Redstone Road, Narberth, at 1.15am on July 1.

He said: “There is no allegation of bad driving, it was a routine stop.”

Scale, 47, who previously held a clean licence, was found to have 70mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit is 35mg.

Mike Kelleher, defending, told the bench that Scale’s wife did not drive, and the loss of his licence would cause difficulties for the family.

“He has sold the car now because neither he nor his wife will be able to use it for a considerable amount of time.

“He has been driving for 29 years and has not had a penalty point until this time.”

Mr Kelleher added that Scale had been out earlier that evening, but did not appreciate how much alcohol was in his system.

Magistrates ordered Scale to pay £235 in a fine, costs and a surcharge and banned him from driving for 20 months.

When Scale informed the court he would now be walking everywhere, the chairman of the bench said: “Well that’s one good thing – you will be keeping fit, and saving money on road tax.”