A LLANRHYSTUD man ran away and hid in a field after being caught behind the wheel after drinking.

Damian John Vicary, of 13 Pentre Isaf, was seen by a taxi driver “slumped over the wheel” of his Ford Focus in a layby in Rhydyfelin at 4.20am on 25 June, Aberystwyth Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday.

Police were called, and when confronted 35-year-old Vicary fled towards the river and tried to hide in a field.

After being apprehended by officers, Vicary said he had had “two whiskeys”.

A breath test at Aberystwyth police station showed he was above the legal limit, recording 59mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - close to double the limit.

Unrepresented in court, Vicary told police that he had run away because he was “intimidated at being followed”.

Vicary, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving, was disqualified from driving for 15 months by magistrates. He was also ordered to pay a £400 fine, £85 costs and a £40 court charge.