A Llandybie welder has told magistrates he uses the party drug miaow to sober up after a night on the booze.

Andrew Stuart Jones, of 11 Glynhir Road, and a pal were spotted by police staggering along Ammanford’s Talbot Road at 1am on July 13.

Gerald Neave, prosecutor, told Llanelli magistrates that officers had received numerous complaints of late-night anti-social behaviour in the area in recent weeks and decided to confront Jones and his friend because they were being “loud and boisterous”.

As the officers approached, they could see that Jones had “white powder and residue under his nostrils”.

He also smelled strongly of alcohol.

When Jones was told he would be searched, he produced a bag of powder from his pocket.

In interview, he told police is was the Class B drug mephedrone – known to users as miaow.

“He said he took it because it helped him to sober up and because he was bored,” Mr Neave told the court.

Peter Martin said Jones fully admitted possessing the drug.

“He uses it recreationally, not all the time but just on weekends here and there,” said Mr Martin, adding that Jones had now decided to give up taking the drug after a second court appearance in 12 months.

“He is tired of being back before the court and realises that sooner or later the court is going to lose patience with him.”

As Thomas told police he believed the powder was mephedrone – and to save the expense of having the substance tested – he was charged with attempting to possess a Class B drug – an offence which carries the same sentence as actual possession.

Thomas admitted the charge.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £15 legal surcharge.