A “hardworking” factory worker who was caught behind the wheel while more than twice the drink limit has been banned from driving for 22 months.

John Andrew Galley, 58, admitted driving a Vauxhall Astra along the A495 at Llansantffraid after drinking three to four cans of lager when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 8.

The court heard that just before 6pm on May 19, Galley’s vehicle as parked with hazard lights on double white lines immediately after a blind bend. Police officers approached the “visibly unsteady” defendant, who then drove off. Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Galley then pulled into a car park where he denied that he had drank alcohol. He later admitted to police that he had been drinking cans of lager. A breath test found that Galley had 89 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in Wales, England and Northern Ireland is 35.

Paul Inns, defending, said the circumstances were not disputed by Galley and that he “does not make a habit of appearing in court”. Mr Inns told the court that the defendant was a “hardworking gentleman who works as much as he can” at a local factory.

Magistrates then heard from probation officer Julian Davies that the family man had gone out food shopping for family and had drank the alcohol 200 yards away from his home. The court heard that Galley was unloading shopping from his car when he was approached by police officers.

Mr Davies said: “He did not consider his actions but looking back he said it was a very stupid thing and regrets his actions.”

Chair of magistrates’ bench Nerys Jones disqualified Galley, of Victoria Terrace, Llansantffraid from driving for 22 months. She also gave him a 12-month community order to complete 15 rehabilitation days and handed a one-month curfew. Galley was also ordered to pay £180.