There was controversy in court this week when a support worker from Pembroke Dock pleading guilty to a drink-driving offence, admitted that he had no idea that he would have to kiss goodbye to his licence for the future, after receiving an immediate ban from the road.
Fifty-year-old Preacher Prince Muguza, of Cenarth Close, Llanion, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday to plead guilty to a charge of driving his Audi Q5 after exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit.
Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that at 12.55 am on November 17, a police officer on routine patrol pulled the defendant over who was driving the vehicle in front on the A477 at Sentry Cross, Milford Haven.
“There is no allegation of bad driving or any traffic offences, but when the officer spoke to Mr. Muguza, he could smell intoxicants on his breath.
“He gave a roadside reading of 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which was exactly the same at the police station,” he added.
Defence solicitor Mark Layton told the court that his client had family down from the Midlands area and had consumed a couple of glasses of wine.
“He simply thought he was under the limit,” explained, who Mr. Layton admitted that his client had indicated that he had no idea that the charge would carry a driving disqualification with immediate effect, as he had driven to court that day for the hearing, expecting to drive home afterwards.
“He works as a support worker and is concerned that he may lose his livelihood if he loses his licence, but he is genuinely remorseful,” added Mr. Layton.
Magistrates handed the defendant a 12 month ban, and fined him £255 for the offence.
He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £32 victim surcharge.