A Paisley dad has been banned from the roads and fined a four-figure sum after drunkenly smashing his motor into a fence.
Boozed-up Craig Stewart, who has no driving licence, was behind the wheel with no insurance when he crashed the Seat Leon on October 27.
He told cops he “wasn’t driving it, I just parked it”.
Yesterday, the 46-year-old Renfrewshire Council worker admitted at Paisley Sheriff Court that he was just under three times the legal drink-drive limit while travelling along Neilston Road, Paisley, Barterholm Road, Paisley, and various roads in between.
Prosecutor Karen Yuill told the court: “Around 9pm, McCulloch was in his bedroom when he heard a loud bang coming from the car park. He looked outside and saw a black Seat Leon smashed into the fence.
“He also saw the accused outside the vehicle with the driver door and boot open.
“Stewart was carrying two bags, closed both doors and walked away. He was staggering and tripped up which caused him to fall.
“The witness left their room and met another witness who also looked out and saw the accused staggering and acting in a drunk manner.
“Police were contacted and attended where McCulloch pointed out the accused.
“Officers placed him in handcuffs and they noted a strong smell of alcohol and, as a result, he was placed in the back of a van.
“A PNC check was carried out which confirmed the accused and no insurance or licence and he confirmed he was the driver of the car. Stewart stated to officers he last had a drink at 8pm that evening.
“A roadside breath test was carried out which failed and Stewart was arrested and taken to a police station where the intoximeter process was carried out.
“The first reading was 65mg, with the second reading being 66mg. He was cautioned and charged, replying, ‘I wasn’t driving it, I just parked it’.
“Stewart was processed in the usual way and was later released to attend this court.”
Defence agent David Nicholson told the court how the father-of-two was “historically of good behaviour”.
Mr Nicholson explained: “He is appearing today as a first offender and this is significantly out of character. He has no reasonable explanation for this.
“He is presently employed but on sick leave. He has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and he has sought assistance from numerous agencies where he completed a five-week course.
“His diagnosis remains, but he is heading in the right direction.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Gillian Craig said: “I take into account you have no previous convictions and that you are historically of good behaviour.
“This was quite an event on October 27.
“Driving while three times the limit with no insurance and no licence, and I accept these are out of character for you, but these are matters the court takes seriously.”
Sheriff Craig banned Stewart, of Montrose Road, for 20 months and certified him suitable for the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme.
If Stewart successfully completes the programme, his ban will be reduced by five months.
In addition, Sheriff Craig imposed a total fine of £1,275 and ordered this to be paid at the rate of £20 per week.
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