Anthony Williams, 19, pleaded with a court not to ban him saying: "I need to drive Mark to his matches."

Snooker world number three Mark Williams, 24, splashed out on his "dream car" - a red Ferrari 355 after losing out to Stephen Hendry in the Embassy World Championships.

But a court heard Mark relies on his younger brother to chauffeur him to tournaments around Britain.

Abertillery magistrates were told Anthony Williams crashed his own �5,000 white Ford Escort as he drove to work at an ice-cream factory.

Confused

Prosecutor Michael Beaman said: "As another driver slowed down at a busy roundabout, Williams clattered into him.

"When he looked in the rear-view mirror, he saw Williams's white Ford Escort which had rammed him."

Jonathan Williams, defending, said his client was "confused" on the roundabout and accidentally hit the car.

He said: "Mr Williams has never been in a car accident before - he is not the boy-racer type.

"When he turned on to the roundabout, he tried to overtake a car ahead of him and that was when the accident happened."

The court heard snooker ace Mark's performance could be affected unless his brother drove him to matches.

Jonathan Williams added: "In fact my client often drives his brother to important snooker tournaments all over the country.

"He lives with his parents, is single and only earns about �110 per week.

"He would be in danger of losing his employment if he could not drive.

He admits it was an error of judgement."

Ferrari

Williams, of Cwm, Ebbw Vale, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

He was fined �150, ordered to pay �35 costs and had his licence endorsed with four penalty points.

Speaking after the case, Mark Williams said: "I'm glad the court treated my brother fairly. He's not mad - he's a good driver.

"He is insured to drive the Ferrari but we normally take my Granada for long journeys anyway.