A FORMER army sniper has been banned from the roads after struggling to return to civilian life.

Thomas Beardsley admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police had spotted him behind the wheel of a Renault Kangoo in Hereford's Ross Road in the early hours of December 31, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock told the court.

Officers decided to stop and speak to him after he pulled into a petrol station, and he was arrested after failing a roadside breath test. An evidential breath test revealed he had 57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

George Cousins, for Beardsley, said the 36-year-old's behaviour had been exemplary while in the armed forces.

"His marriage broke down when he left the forces and he has had some issues with alcohol," Mr Cousins said.

The court heard Beardsley had carried out a number of tours of Afghanistan as a sniper, but had struggled to adjust to life as a civilian after leaving the army.

He is now being supported by charities including SAFA and the Royal British Legion, who are working to help him to become sober.

"He was taken to Scotland just before this offence, where he was isolated for two months in a village without alcohol, but when he was brought back he unfortunately started drinking again," Mor Cousins said.

"He is now getting more help and has gone voluntarily to Turning Point.

"He has committed a lot to this country, and I think those who are supporting him would ask for as low a ban as possible."

Beardsley, of Mayne Avenue, Hereford, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £150. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.

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