A MAN was caught drink driving on his way back home to Wales after New Year's Eve celebrations in Hereford.

Stephen Thomas, 45, of Tywod Vale, Pencoed, pleaded guilty to the offence at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, told the court that the offence happened in the early hours of New Year's Day when police spotted Thomas' vehicle 'meandering' within the lane before they stopped him on the A4103 at Whitestone.

Officers could smell alcohol and a breath test revealed 66mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

As part of his defence, the court heard Thomas had no previous convictions and had been visiting friends in Hereford for the evening.

Unable to get a taxi and with pressure to get back home, Thomas believed he felt ok and, as he had not consumed alcohol for a few hours, took the risk to drive home.

Magistrates disqualified Thomas from driving for 18 months. They also fined him £500, ordered him to pay £135 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.