A POWYS farmer has been fined nearly £900 for driving a livestock vehicle described as “severely defective”.

Thomas Jonathan Davies appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last week where he admitted a charge of driving a vehicle likely to cause danger of injury.

Davies, 50, was stopped by police in Builth Wells on February 24 last year driving a Volvo goods vehicle. Davies was towing a three-axle trailer on the A470. Its use was described as being dangerous because four tyres and the braking system were severely defective and left the vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Prosecutor Alec Thomas said Davies had admitted his guilt by post to the charge.

“He was carrying livestock from Llangammarch Wells to Brecon market,” said Mr Thomas.

“Two tyres were in excess of 10 years of age. The side wall of one tyre was missing, exposing a discoloured cord. There was a bulge in one of the tyre walls. This was caused by a failure.

“The exhaust system was insecure and severely deteriorated.”

Mr Thomas said Davies’ only previous conviction was a speeding offence in March 2020.

Representing Davies, of Llwynpiod, Garth, near Builth, Ben Waters said: “This offence was wholly out of his ignorance of the law, rather than any intention."

He added: “Twelve days prior to the incident a tyre fitter undertook a job at the defendant’s farm. He changed one tyre on the livestock trailer.

“There were no underlying issues with any tyres. There was a blowout of one tyre as it had no inner wall. He has not used the vehicle at all since the incident.”

Magistrates fined Davies £250 and added an uplift to it of £62.50. He must also pay £460 costs and a £125 surcharge – making a total financial penalty of £897.50. He will also have three points put on his licence.