A DRINK-driver who was seen by a police officer “staggering” in the road outside a pub before getting into his van and starting to drive away, was almost three times over the limit, magistrates have heard.

Clarence Clyde Biddulph, of Garth Owen, Llanddewi Brefi, pleaded guilty to drink-driving on 29 April.

His solicitor told Aberystwyth magistrates that Biddulph had only driven around five metres before being stopped by the officer who had seen him get into the car.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said Biddulph was seen at around 11.30pm by a police officer who said Biddulph was staggering around in the road outside a pub.

He then saw Biddulph get into a van and start the engine before driving a short distance until he was stopped.

Biddulph, who Ms Tench said smelt strongly of alcohol, failed a roadside breath test and a test at the police station showed that he had 103 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Defence solicitor Alan Lewis said Biddulph had drunk before going out and had initially intended to stay at the pub just to take part in a darts tournament, but ended up staying longer and drinking more.

He said that Biddulph had felt fine and thought he would be under the limit to drive.

Mr Lewis added: “He got sucked, I’m afraid, into that trap and thought he’d be fine. It’s an aberration.

“He wishes he could turn back the clock.”

Biddulph, 57, is a self-employed forestry worker and Mr Lewis said a driving ban could lead to him having to close his company down.

Magistrates banned Biddulph from driving for two years. He was also made subject to a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work.

He will also pay costs of £145.