Former British Lions and Wales rugby star Mike Phillips has been banned from the roads after being caught more than three times over the legal drink-drive limit.
The scrum half – the former boyfriend of pop singer Duffy – was banned from driving for two years after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that Phillips, 41, was arrested in Llanwrtyd Wells on July 7, having initially driven off when confronted by members of the public after hitting a fence in Newbridge-on-Wye with his Audi A4.
A breathalyser taken by police recorded a reading of 108mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath with the legal limit being 35mcg.
Phillips is Wales’ most capped scrum-half ever with 94 appearances, scoring 10 tries over the course of his international career including one for the Lions. He won three Six Nations Championships, including two Grand Slams, whilst also appearing at two World Cups.
Phillips is Wales’ most capped scrum-half ever with 94 appearances, scoring 10 tries over the course of his international career including one for the Lions
The scrum half (pictured with his former girlfriend Duffy in 2010) was banned from driving for two years after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court
Appearing in court on Wednesday, he gave his full name as William Mike Phillips and provided an address at Station Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire.
He was banned from driving for 25 months, which can be reduced via the completion of a drink-driving awareness course, and also fined £1,153. He must also pay a £461 surcharge and £85 in costs.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said police received a call relating to a road traffic collision near the New Inn pub at 6pm involving an Audi A4.
‘The driver was confronted but drove off. He left the area in the direction of Builth Wells,’ said Mr Sprunks.
‘Members of the public identified the driver. They said he had hit a fence. When confronted, he took off, at speed.’
Acting for Phillips, Jonathan Webb said: ‘Mr Phillips was undertaking charity work the previous day, he was at a rugby match.
‘He was also asked to attend a minor event on Sunday and had some more alcohol but not enough, he thought, to put him over the limit.
‘He thought he was fine to drive, he clearly wasn’t.
‘He did bump the fence, but he didn’t cause any damage. It was very, very minor. He did panic and drove away.’
Mr Webb added: ‘Mr Phillips is a former professional sportsman. He has forged a new life and is married with two children, and lives in Dubai, where he works for a recruitment company. He earns £3,000 a month.
‘He has lots of charity interests and gives lots of his time to charities and schools; he turns out for sporting events trying to raise money for them.’
