A JAGUAR driver left the scene after crashing his new car in a ditch in Herefordshire.

David Rees admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were called to a crash on the A480 near Sarnesfield on December 29, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

When they arrives, they found Rees' Jaguar on its side in a ditch, while a witness told officers the car had crashed after overtaking him, and that he had helped driver Rees, who was no longer at the scene, from the wreckage.

A search was launched and Rees was eventually found and confirmed he had been driving the Jaguar at the time of the crash.

He was arrested after failing a roadside breath test, and an evidential test in custody confirmed he had 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

George Cousins, for Rees, said the 65-year-old had not been the most drunk person in the world when he crashed.

"He is very familiar with the road and has travelled it many times," Mr Cousins said.

"He had recently bought a new car and does not really have a reason for crashing.

Mr Cousins told the court that self-employed Rees is not due to retire until April and that his job involves driving, so he will now have to claim benefits.

"He did not know that the court would have to disqualify him today, but I have told him that it is the case that he will be," Mr Cousins said.

Rees, of Mansel Lacy, Herefordshire, was disqualified from driving for 14 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.

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