A Milford man has been disqualified from driving for three years after admitting a series of offences in court.
Thirty-three-year-old Nathan Clive Goffin, of Woodbine Way, Hakin, pleaded guilty to driving his Vauxhall Corsa on the A4076 with 213 millgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.
Mr. Goffin also entered guilty pleas to using a motor vehicle without third party insurance; driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence; taking a vehicle with out the owner’s consent.
He admitted as well, possessing one gramme of herbal cannabis at the same hearing.
Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that on August 6, shortly after 2 am, police officers on routine patrol driving through Johnston, saw the defendant’s Corsa pull out behind them from the petrol station with no lights on.
“They spoke to the driver and he smelt of intoxicants and made a check on the vehicle and found that he had no insurance and no licence, and the car was registered to Mr. Goffin’s mother.
“Mr. Goffin had apparent injuries to his face and lips, and was unable to provide a breath sample due to this, but gave a blood sample at the police station instead.
“He has two previous convictions in the last 10 years for drink driving,” added Mr. Pritchard-Jones.
Defence solicitor Ruth Meyrick told the court that Mr. Goffin had been out with a friend at Minnies Night Club in Haverfordwest that night and had met someone that he’d had difficulties with in the past.
“They got into an argument and Mr. Goffin was punched in the face and assaulted. He called 999, but fled the area and jumped in the car and drove off.
“He was getting wet wipes from the petrol station to wipe the blood of his face when police stopped him in the vehicle.
“My client had panicked at the time and jumped in the car to try and get home.
“Mr. Goffin was awarded custody of his daughter three years ago and hasn’t been in trouble since then. He has sorted his life out for her sake, and made huge efforts to try and straighten himself out,” continued Ms Meyrick.
Magistrates disqualified Mr. Goffin from driving for three years, and also gave him a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, including a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am for the next four months.
He was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.