Missing the bus to a community service appointment led to a disqualified driver getting behind the wheel while nearly three times the drink-drive limit.

Gavin Vashon Wheeler, of Felindre, Nevern, pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink, while disqualified and without third-party insurance, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, February 26.

Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, told the court a police officer stopped Wheeler’s VW Golf on an unclassified road between Nevern and Glanrhyd at 9.30am on February 12, after recognising him as disqualified driver.

Wheeler was found to have 100mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when taken into custody, the legal limit is 35mg.

He told officers he had been driving to a community service appointment because he had missed the bus.

The court heard that Wheeler, 46, had been banned from driving for two years on January 22, after being caught drink-driving.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “It’s been a bit of a disaster over the last few months for Mr Wheeler.

“He lives in a fairly isolated part of Pembrokeshire, half a mile from the main road. On this particular day he was due to attend community service, which involves him catching a service bus.”

Wheeler found the bus had gone after walking to the main road, and decided to drive when he returned to the farm, as he did not feel he could miss his unpaid work.

Mr Kelleher said: “He made the foolish decision to drive, which was an even more foolish decision than missing unpaid work.”

Mr Kelleher added that Wheeler was a carer for his mother, and had given up his career as a physicist to move back and look after the family farm, which had led to stress and frustration.

“He has issues with alcohol and fell off the wagon at Christmas after a period of abstinence.

“He has been trying to cut down, but you can’t simply give up if you are alcohol dependant.”

Magistrates handed Wheeler a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned him from driving for 40 months.

The bench also imposed 200 hours of unpaid work and a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement to address his alcohol issues. Wheeler will pay £200 in costs and a surcharge.