A Barrhead man has jeopardised his wife’s crucial health appointments after being banned from driving.
Paul McEnhill of Rockmount Avenue failed to provide two specimens of breath after crashing his car on August 20 last year.
McEnhill. 46, was involved in a road traffic collision in Barrhead’s Gertrude Place and officers who attended found an open can of cider within his vehicle.
In a bid to fool cops, McEnhill made himself cough repeatedly during the intoximeter - breathalyser machine - process, resulting in cops being unable to determine the level of booze in his system.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 5.25pm on Friday, August 20, the accused was involved in a minor road traffic collision in Gertrude Place in Barrhead.
“Two witnesses where in their property nearby when they became aware of the collision and went outside.
“The accused got out his vehicle and the witnesses spoke with him and became aware of a smell of alcohol on his breath and so they contacted the police to report the matter.
“Officers attended and observed the accused to be unsteady on his feet, stumbling, his speech was slurred and his eyes were red.
“He was cautioned and admitted to consuming cider two hours prior to driving.
“However, officers noted an open can of cider within the vehicle.
“A traffic officer attended and the accused failed a roadside breath test and was subsequently arrested.
“Once in the intoximeter room at the police station, the accused sat down and before the breath test started, he began coughing and stated he was a smoker and may not be able to provide two samples.
“The process started and a specimen was recorded but the accused continued to cough aggressively through the second specimen and was not able to provide a sample.
“Officers decided to restart the process to give the accused a chance but he continued coughing and wheezing.
“He was cautioned and charged where he replied ‘There was a reasonable excuse.’
“He was returned to the charge bar where officers noted he was not coughing and was engaging in conversation.”
Defence agent Rhona Lynch explained McEnhill needs his licence to take his wife to hospital appointments. She explained: “Mr McEnhill’s wife has a serious heart condition and requires regular check-ups at the Jubilee.
“He drives her there as she can’t drive.
“He accepts he’s brought this on himself.”
On sentencing, Sheriff Grant Hutchison said: “Your agent has advised me of your wife’s health difficulties and the need for your licence.”
Sheriff Hutchison banned McEnhill from driving for 12 months and imposed a fine of £210 to be paid at £10 per fortnight.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. D ownload here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
