A PENSIONER was almost three times over the drink drive limit when he crashed his car near Kington.

Peter Davies, from Dilwyn, had been drinking with a friend before his car hit a fence in Eardisley, Hereford magistrates heard.

Davies admitted he is an alcoholic and pleaded guilty to drink driving on September 2 when he appeared before magistrates.

Emma Thorne, for Davies, said he was 'deeply ashamed' and embarrassed to be in court at the age of 72.

"He had been to see a friend in Kington where he was offered a drink."

Davies has been voluntarily attending sessions with substance abuse charity Addaction and at one stage had been dry for four months.

He could not recall anything about the accident on Woodseaves Road, but Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, said a witness reached in and removed the keys from the Fiat Doblo.

When police arrived at the scene of the crash, shortly at 4pm, it was clear to them he was drunk and Davies refused a roadside breath test.

In custody, a reading of 104mcg per 100ml of breath, well above the 35mcg limit, was given.

Magistrates banned Davies from driving for two years, but this could be reduced if he completes a drink driver rehabilitation course.

He was also handed a £230 fine and ordered to pay £135 costs and £32 victim surcharge.