A WEDDING guest has been fined after his BMW was found crashed in the driveway of a Herefordshire country estate.

Ben Walters admitted being in charge of a car while over the drink-drive limit when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were called to a report of a crash in the driveway of Lemore Manor in Eardisley on May 7, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

On their arrival at the scene, they found the manager of the hotel, who said he had gone to investigate after receiving reports of a loud bang, finding Walters stood beside the crashed black BMW and trying to lock the doors, and confiscating his keys.

Walters, who had left the scene, was identified and arrested after failing a breath test. An evidential test in custody revealed he had 95 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

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Chris Read, for Walters, said the 25-year-old had been attending a wedding at the manor when the incident happened.

"The car clearly crashed in the driveway of the hotel," Mr Read said.

"He was arrested at a nearby hotel some time later and was cooperative."

The court heard Walters needs to drive for work and that he would lose his job if he loses his licence.

"He has a family and is responsible for the bills," Mr Read said.

"You have discretion regarding a disqualification and I am asking you to consider giving him points and not a ban. This took place on what is effectively private land, and it was only a short distance."

Walters, of Summer Street, Willenhall, was fined £480 and received 10 penalty points. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £48 victim surcharge.