A driver has been banned from the roads after he was caught behind the wheel while almost five times the legal drink-drive limit.
Sozzled John Bruce had “no excuse” to be driving his van on April 7 after consuming alcohol.
One member of the public was so concerned about Bruce in his van that they reported his driving to police.
The 40-year-old admitted to driving while the proportion of alcohol in 100ml of breath was 109mg. The legal limit is 22mg.
Bruce also committed this offence while subject to a court order granted at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on June 15 last year.
Procurator fiscal depute Ryan Diamond told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 3.15pm, police received an anonymous report from a member of the public raising concerns about a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.
“Police were advised of the van’s rough whereabouts and officers in a marked police vehicle traced it on Bridge of Weir Road in Brookfield.
“The van was stopped and upon speaking with the accused, the officers could detect a strong smell of alcohol coming from him.
“A roadside breath test was carried out which gave a failed reading.
“The accused was arrested and taken to Greenock police station where the drink-drive procedure was carried out giving two readings, the lower being 109mg.
“He was processed and later released on an undertaking to appear at this court.”
Defence agent Robert Mitchell explained Bruce has given up his job following this incident.
He said: “He was employed as a driver at the time but realised what the consequences would be and he has resigned from his position. He doesn’t have an excuse for driving that day.
“In terms of background, his mother is in palliative care and he finds that difficult and has turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
“He now has family problems but he is also now unemployed as a result.
“I would ask that any ban be reduced given his plea at the first opportunity.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Clair McLachlan said: “This was an extremely high reading.
“Were it not for your early plea, your disqualification would have been much higher.”
Bruce, of Patrick Street in Greenock, was banned from driving for 12 months.
In addition, he was fined £350 and ordered to pay this at the rate of £10 per week.
Bruce was also certified as suitable for the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme which, if he successfully completes, will reduce his ban to eight months.
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