A 38-YEAR-OLD Ammanford man rolled his car at the Pont Abraham junction of the M4 because he was out of practice at driving, a court has been told.

Craig William Evans, of 41 Penybanc Road, got his feet stuck in the pedals and lost control of his Citroën C2 at 3.30pm on October 13.

Llanelli magistrates were told that Evans had 77 microgrammesof alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath following the smash. The legal limit is 35. Gerald Neave, prosecuting, described how police attending the accident could smell alcohol on Evans’ breath.

Peter Martin, defending, told the court how Evans had spent the previous evening with friends in Neath.

“He is a man who does not get out much due to a considerable period of illhealth,” he told the court.

“Thiswas the first time he had gone out socially in some 18 months. A drinking session had gone on until the early hours and he then stayed with friends in Neath until the following afternoon, thinking he would be ok to drive.

“He is not totally sure how the accident happened, but his feet got stuck in the pedals.

“He had not driven for a considerable time – something like 18months – due to quite considerable heart problems.

“He does not usually drink because he is on a cocktail of heart medications.

He accepts he made an error of judgement in that he believed he would be clear of the alcohol, but he wasn’t, not by a long chalk.

“Heis deeplysorryand ashamed.

“He understands that not only did he put himself in danger, but he also put other road users in danger, too.”

Evans admitted driving while over the alcohol limit.

Magistrates banned him from driving for 22 months and ordered he pay £85 court costs.