A PENYGROES delivery driver was one-and-a-half times the limit when tested by police who had spotted his van parked outside a pub earlier.

Tyrone Herbert Smith, of 218b Waterloo Road, was stopped by officers as he drove his Mercedes van in Gate Road, Carmel, on November 11.

Tests showed the 46-year-old had 52 microgrammes of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Sharon Anderson, prosecuting, told Llanelli magistrates court: “The police were on duty in Gate Road and they stopped the van because they had seen it park opposite the public house in Carmel that evening.”

Richard Morgan, defending, told the court that Smith worked as a delivery driver for a logistics firm.

“He had got up at 3am to go to work and had not eaten during the day because he was so busy,” said Mr Morgan.

“He decided to call in to the Stag and Pheasant pub to have a social drink and has two or two-and-a-half pints of real ale.

“It seems he underestimated the strength of the alcohol and how quickly it would work through his system.

“This was a considerable error of judgement and he has expressed his deep remorse.”

Magistrates banned Smith from driving for 12 months.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, a £20 victim surcharge and £150 in court charges.