A Neyland fisherman attempted an ‘unsophisticated’ escape from police after damaging a car while drink-driving.

Sean Christopher Hill, of Springfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, July 24.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that Hill, 30, had been drinking with his girlfriend at her home on Boxing Day, and fell down the stairs as he left, injuring his head.

He ignored his girlfriend’s advice to go to hospital and was then spotted by a witness in his Fiat Doblo in Neyland in the early hours of December 27.

Mr Hussain said: “The witness was at home just after midnight and says he heard a loud banging.

“He went out to investigate and came across the Fiat with its engine revving having collided with a Renault Megan.”

Hill continued revving the car and attempting to reverse, and the police were called when he left the scene.

Officers found him with the key in his pocket and took him to hospital to have his injuries treated after arresting him.

Mr Hussain added: “Officers say he tried to escape from them at one point, but was returned to the waiting area.”

Hill was found to have 81mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35mg, when he was taken to the police station.

The court heard that ‘significant damage’ was caused to the other vehicle, and Hill had a previous conviction for drink-driving within the last ten years.

Mark Layton, defending, told the bench that Hill only drove a short distance before the collision occurred, and his attempted ‘escape’ was foiled quickly.

“He made a bolt for a door which was locked, so it was not a sophisticated attempt at escaping.”

Mr Layton added that Hill’s job as a fisherman would be affected by a driving ban as he worked antisocial hours, and the boats had to leave and return with the tide.

Magistrates fined Hill £300 and ordered him to pay £85 court costs plus a £30 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for three years.