'Cash give-away' motorist banned

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A man who threw an estimated £5,000 into the air in a town centre before being pursued by police in his car has been banned from driving for a year.

Shoppers and motorists at a pedestrian crossing in Aberystwyth rushed to grab the cash thrown away in June 2006.

Magistrates heard that Timothy Lewis, 41, was later seen driving his Ford Fiesta erratically and also trying to stop motorists in nearby Llanfarian.

He admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Lewis' solicitor said he was prone to memory lapses when not taking medication for mental health problems and could remember getting into the car and arriving in Aberaeron but nothing in between.

Timothy Lewis at Aberystwyth magistrates' court

He was banned from driving for a year by Aberystwyth magistrates.

Prosecutor, Lesley Harbon told the court: "Mr Lewis had thrown large sums of money in the air at Alexandra Road."

She added that later that morning on 19 June members of the public had reported a Ford Fiesta being driven erratically between Aberystwyth and the village of Llanfarian, two miles south of the seaside town.

She added:"Witnesses also alleged that Lewis tried to stop vehicles and get people out of them in Llanfarian."

Police caught up with Lewis, from Aberystwyth, another 16 miles down the coast at Aberaeron where the Ford Fiesta was pursued through three streets before stoppping.

"There was slight damage to a police vehicle when Lewis opened his car door," added Ms Harbon.

Lewis was then assessed by a psychiatrist before being admitted to hospital.

He was later interviewed by police and told them that he was in a rage when he got into his car and started driving.

Most of the money was later handed back to police

Ms Harbon told the court that Lewis was on medication and had drunk two pints of beer that day but when tested was under the drink-drive limit.

In mitigation, Lewis' solicitor, Iestyn Davies, said that Lewis had a history of mental health problems and he was prone to lapses when not taking his medication.

He added: "He had not taken his medication on the day the offences took place. He remembers getting into a car and remembers arriving in Aberaeron but the rest of it he doesn't remember."

'Bedlam'

Mr Davies said that Lewis had taken steps to recognise his mental health problems and had found appointments with a psychiatric nurse beneficial.

Chair of the bench, Huw Williams, banned Lewis from driving for a year but decided that no separate penalty should be given for the offence of failing to stop.

He added: "It's up to you now."

The money-throwing incident was captured on CCTV footage.

Later police appealed for people to return the cash, saying no action would be taken against them.

One local shopkeeper, who witnessed the events said: "People were shocked and just couldn't believe it.

"It was like something out of the movies. It caused bedlam - people were on their hands and knees eagerly picking the money up."