PROBLEMS stemming from experiences in the Gulf war led to a veteran's drink-driving arrest, a court has heard.

Matthew Thomas Beach, 47, admitted failing to provide an evidential breath sample when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 8.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said police were called to reports that a car had burst a tyre after striking a kerb in Hereford.

Beach was stopped, and was arrested after failing a roadside breath test on December 8.

But, police said, Beach, who is from Cinderford, then did not give the required evidential sample while in custody.

“He failed to provide a sufficient quantity of breath, and did not tell police about any medical conditions that would have caused this,” Ms Ashton said.

Edmund Middleton, for Beach, said he had attempted to give a sample in custody, but drink may have affected his ability to do so.

The court heard Beach had been driving from The Kerry pub on Commercial Road when he was witnessed hitting a kerb.

“He was in the act of pulling over near Steels as he felt there was an issue with the car’s steering,” Mr Middleton said.

“He is a Royal Artillery veteran and served in the first Gulf war, which caused some serious problems for him. He has not addressed those problems, and he appears to have engaged in some self-destructive behaviour.

“Since this, he has stopped drinking, and has been to see his doctor. This is the first time he has made an attempt to address what has been an issue for the past 30 years.”

Beach was disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £32 victim surcharge.