A DRINK-driver “thought he would be OK” when he got behind the wheel after a trip to the pub, a court has heard.

Owen Pritchard, 22, admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 29.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, told the court that police had been called to reports of a crash on the B4362 in Yarpole just before 10pm on August 9.

On arrival, they found a Ford Fiesta had left the road, crashing into a hedge while Pritchard, the car’s sole occupant, was being dealt with by paramedics.

He failed a breath test at the scene, and a blood sample taken in hospital showed he had 121milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Pritchard, said he admitted going to the pub after work around noon that day, where he had drunk about five pints of beer.

“It was later that day that he drove his car, and he thought he would be OK by then,” Miss Di Vitantonio said.

“But he then lost control of the car and crashed into a hedge.

“He is well aware of the dangers, and says it was a stupid thing to do. He does not remember the accident, but does not deny it.”

Pritchard, of Mortimer Drive, Orleton, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £400.

He must also pay costs of £135 and a £40 victim surcharge.