A Sageston pensioner was more than treble the drink-drive limit after arriving home with a bottle of whisky following a morning dog walk.

Barrie Blundell, of Hazelbrook Caravan Park, pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, December 4.

Prosecutor Hannah George told the court that the police were contacted on November 17, after Blundell, who appeared intoxicated and unsteady on his feet, bought a bottle of whisky from a Pembroke Dock supermarket at 9am and drove away.

Blundell’s Honda Civic was found outside his home, he welcomed the officers in while carrying a bottle of whisky under his arm, and had a glass on his table.

When taken to Haverfordwest police station, he was found to have 112mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than three times the legal limit of 35mg.

Miss George said: “He confirmed he drove that morning to walk his dog. He said he had no recollection of going to Tesco.”

Mike Kelleher, defending, said that the loss of his licence would make life difficult for Blundell, 67, who had previous convictions for drink-driving.

“He is retired and on a pension, public transport is very, very limited where he lives. It will be difficult for him to attend medical appointments and even shopping will be very difficult for him.

“This reading is not really a true reading because he had consumed alcohol after driving.”

The court heard that Blundell, who accepted the seriousness and potential dangers of his offence, suffered from episodes of depression which led him to drink heavily, but usually gave his car keys to his landlord.

Following a probation report, Blundell was banned from driving for 24 months.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He will also pay £170 in costs and a surcharge.

The chairman of the bench said: “When you are depressed the worst thing you can do is drink alcohol.”