A MAN called the police after his wife wouldn’t let him leave the house to drink-drive, a court heard on Tuesday.

Magistrates heard that Phillip John Ellison, 60, of Penymaes, Llanfechain, had left his address once the police had arrived, and that officers later found him at his local pub, which he had driven to.

Ellison admitted the charge of drink-driving on the A495 in Llansantffraid Ym Mechain on January 22 at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court.

He had 45 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35mgs.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, said: “The defendant called the police because his wife wouldn’t let him leave the house.”

His wife had told him to stay at home and not drink drive, the court heard.

Officers then found Ellison’s car at The Station Grill, Mr Espie said.

Paul Inns, defending, said Ellison was “fully cooperative” with the police. “He couldn’t have been more cooperative given he called the police to his home address,” Mr Inns said.

“After he left he address he told his wife where he was going. As the police walked into the pub I think he waved and said ‘I think you’re looking for me’.”

The court heard that the defendant has physical and mental health problems and that he came into Welshpool the night before the court case to make sure he arrived on time.

Magistrates banned Ellison from driving for 12 months. He is able to reduce this ban by taking a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Ellison was also fined £107, told to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85.