A TYWYN businessman has been banned from driving for 20 months after being caught driving whileover twice the legal alcohol limit.

John Llewelyn Thomas, 53, of 3 Cambrian Road, Tywyn pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol on 11 December when police stopped him near his home.

Diane Williams, prosecuting, said that police followed the defendant’s Vauxhall Zafira because the officers were concerned at the speed that the vehicle was travelling and how the driver negotiated a road junction.

Officers noticed a smell of alcohol and tests revealed that Thomas had 79 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over twice the legal limit of 35m.

Hywel Davies, defending, said that his client was ashamed of his actions.

The court heard that the defendant was having a bad day with machinery breaking down and he had been out repairing the machinery.

He had popped into pub for a few drinks and did not want to leave his vehicle because of the tools in the car.

“It was only a short distance from his home, and he could have, and should have, walked home,” said Mr Davies.

Court chairman Elfed ap Gomer fined Thomas £350 with £35 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs and banned him from driving for 20 months.