A trainee solicitor from Llandyfan found to be almost double the drink-drive limit told police he had fallen asleep at the wheel before changing his story to claim he had been “cut up” by another motorist causing him to crash his car.

Liam Steffan Jenkins, of Garn View, lost control of his Suzuki Alto as he drove along the A483 between Pont Abraham and Tycroes just after 2am on October 5.

Dennis Davies, prosecuting, told Llanelli magistrates court how there was extensive damage to the 24-year-old’s car, which had ended up in the verge.

“The police were informed by passing motorists of an RTA,” said Mr Davies.

“When the officers arrived Jenkins was standing beside his car.

“He smelt strongly of drink.”

Jenkins told the officers: “I lost it. I must have fallen asleep.”

Jenkins was taken to West Wales General Hospital, Glangwili, where tests showed he had 199 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. The legal limit is 107.

In interview, Jenkins told officers he had been out with friends celebrating passing his exams and had “driven without realising the affect of the alcohol”.

Richard Morgan, defending, said Jenkins had drunk six bottles of lager before “eating a McDonalds and then walking around for a bit”.

“He had been with his university friends celebrating exam results,” said Mr Morgan.

“He claims someone tried to cut him up as he came off Pont Abraham roundabout and he ended up in the verge.

“He is naturally very disappointed.

“This is down to his misunderstanding the level of alcohol in his system.

“He is ashamed about what has occurred and he sincerely apologies.

“He has learnt a hard lesson and now realises the consequences of what he did.”

The court was told how Jenkins has embarked on a post-graduate law course with the aim of becoming a solicitor after completing his degree in English Literature and was an active member of Ammanford Silver Band.

Magistrates banned Jenkins from driving 17 months.

He was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 legal surcharge.