A Pontardawe motorist who drove 67 miles along the M4 after drinking a bottle of wine has escaped a custodial sentence following his appearance before Haverfordwest magistrates.

Pleading guilty to the charge of drink driving yesterday (Tuesday, May 31), was Daniel Fisher, 36, of Alltacham Drive, Pontardawe.

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told magistrates that the offence took place on May 11 after Fisher’s former partner informed police that he had left his home in Pontardawe and was driving to her home in Milford Haven following an argument.

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“His ex-partner didn’t want him there,” she said. “When police arrived they saw the defendant standing outside and he admitted drinking a bottle of wine before driving to the area.”

A subsequent breath test gave a reading of 54 mcg. The legal limit is 35.

Ms Baker told magistrates that Fisher was convicted of a previous drink driving offence in 2020.

Fisher was represented in court by his solicitor, Mr Peter Tarr.

“Hopefully this will be seen very much as an eye-opener for my client who’s been very honest and very frank with me,” he said. “ He realises just how close he’s come to receiving a custodial sentence.”

For the offence Fisher was subjected to 175 hours of community service and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.