An Eglwyswrw man who drove a van without an MOT or insurance and refused a breath test in Aberystwyth has been banned from the road for 17 months.

James Thomas, of The Old Vicarage, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on 5 August.

The court heard that the 34-year-old was stopped while driving a Vauxhall van on the A487 on 25 April.

Checks showed the van did not have a valid MOT and was uninsured.

At Aberystwyth Police later that day, Thomas failed to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

Magistrates disqualified Thomas from driving for 17 months and handed him a community order to include 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.