A PLUMBER was caught drink-driving in Hereford after drinking at a Hereford pub.

Domonic John Evans admitted the offence when he appeared before Hereford Magistrates Court on December 2.

His white Audi Q1 was spotted in Hereford's Commercial Road at 9.30pm on November 4 after police were told he had driven away from a pub in the city, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said.

Officers pulled up behind Evans, who they said checked to see if he was being followed by going around a roundabout and doubling back on himself.

The 32-year-old was pulled over in Stonebow Road, where officers noted a smell of alcohol on his breath, and was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

In custody, an evidential test revealed Evans had 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Edmund Middleton, for Evans, said the self-employed plumber had been having a very difficult year .

"He says Covid has had a big impact on his income," Mr Middleton said.

"Work has diminished significantly this year, which has caused a considerable amount of stress, and now he will be unable to drive to locations to work, the effect of this poor decision has been brought into sharp focus."

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The court heard a mandatory driving ban would mean Evans' teenage apprentice would also lose their job and would impact his family relationships.

"He is very regretful of his actions and apologises to the court for what has gone on," Mr Middleton said.

Evans, of Blaina, Abertillery, was disqualified from driving for 14 months, fined £120, and must pay a £34 victim surcharge. No costs order was made due to his means.