A TEENAGE solider caught taking a car without the owner's consent would lose his position as a vehicle mechanic in the army if he was banned from driving, magistrates were warned.

Carmarthen magistrates were considering the case of the 18-year-old on Wednesday.

They heard he had been out with friends in Swansea and had been assaulted on his way back to Carmarthen.

Instead of going to bed, he decided to take his brother's car and drive into town to meet with his friends again. He had been drinking, but was not over the limit to drive, the court was told.

Arron Shaw, originally from Aberystwyth and now living at Prince Phillip Barracks, Bordon, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance.

Shaw was banned from driving for 21 days and the magistrates said they hoped he would be given another job with the Army until the ban was lifted. He was also fined £500 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.