An Aberystwyth bar worker who was found to be more than twice the drink-drive limit was stopped by police after an officer saw him swerving across a town centre road.

George Joseph Ward, 26, admitted drink-driving in the early hours of 14 February. A breath test showed that Ward had 76 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Magistrates heard that Ward had admitted to police he had been drinking before driving, but said he had swerved across the road as a “joke” and felt he was fine to drive.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said Ward had been drinking at Why Not in Aberystwyth, the bar where he works, although he was not working that night.

He was then seen by a police officer to veer across the road, with Ms Tench saying that Ward was not driving at a constant speed when travelling on North Parade and Northgate Street.

When the officer spoke to Ward, of 5 Deane Close, Bicton Heath in Shrewsbury, he noticed he smelt of alcohol and his eyes were glazed.

Ward said he had been out with a friend and had had several drinks, but thought he would be under the drink-drive limit.

Defence solicitor Katy Hanson said Ward realised he should not have driven after drinking.

Ms Hanson said a driving ban would make things difficult for Ward, who cares for his mother who is struggling with illness, but said Ward realised he would be banned.

Magistrates imposed a driving ban of 18 months, fined Ward £120 and ordered him to pay costs of £115.