A drunken moped prank cost an aspiring Royal Marine £670 and his driving licence.

Thomas Lloyd Hope, of Merthyr Road, Aberdare, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and taking a vehicle without consent when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, January 22.

The court heard that a local chef had left his moped near railings in Tenby on New Year’s Eve, but had been unable to secure it with a padlock.

Hope, 23, who was in the town celebrating the new year with friends, hopped on the moped and free-wheeled it down the road.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said: “He never even started it. This is a stupid prank by this young man, which will have consequences for him for quite some time.”

A special constable shouted for Hope to stop, but he carried on until he dropped the bike against a pillar causing scratches. He left the moped and returned to Tudor Square where he was arrested.

He was found to have 84mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35mg.

In interview he stated that he would pay for any damage he had caused, adding: “I had too much to drink, I have been an idiot, I’m sorry.”

The court heard that Hope was previously of clean character, needed his licence for his job as a kitchen fitter, and planned to join the Royal Marines.

David Bowen, defending, said: “In a moment of madness he saw the moped and as a joke, a very stupid prank, he got on it and free-wheeled. He was almost paddling it along with his feet down the road.

“It was never more than walking speed for the whole episode. He is very, very remorseful.”

Magistrates banned Hope from driving for 17 months and fined him £350. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation, £85 costs and a £35 surcharge.”

The chairman of the bench said: “Happy New Year to you. Unfortunately it’s not a very good start to your year.”