A drink-driver who was banned for five years after crashing his car outside a Paisley school during rush hour has been hauled back to court for failing to stick to a court order.
William Parker was handed the lengthy road ban along with 270 hours of unpaid work in November 2019 after admitting to getting behind the wheel while he was three times the legal limit.
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He pranged his car into another vehicle near to Gleniffer High School while children were walking to class on March 5, 2019, in what Sheriff Colin Pettigrew said had “horrendous possibilities”.
Now, more than two years later, Parker found himself in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court again for failing to complete his Community Payback Order (CPO).
His defence agent said Parker had “no excuses” for failing to carrying out a number of his 270 hours unpaid work - which is just 30 hours less than the maximum the courts can impose.
He said: “The social work report paints a clear picture of his position as to why these hours have not been carried out.
“He knows there are no excuses for failing to comply with the unpaid work but the report clearly shows why he failed to comply.”
Parker was given two years to carry out the hefty court order when he was sentenced originally for the drink-driving offence.
The court heard at the time that a member of the public reported Parker to police after having concerns for his driving that morning.
Procurator fiscal depute Pamela Brady told the court at the time: “Her attention was drawn to the erratic manner in which the vehicle was being driven.
“She observed the motor vehicle on a number of occasions to drive across the central line and onto the opposite carriageway.
“This caused oncoming vehicles to manoeuvre out of the way.
“She was so concerned about the driving, and had concerns the driver was under the influence, that she contacted police.”
The court heard police officers were searching for Parker’s red Ford Focus in Foxbar when they stumbled on the crash.
Ms Brady said: “Officers conducted a search and, while at Amochrie Road, they became aware of the presence of the motor vehicle.
“It had collided with another vehicle.
“The accused got out of the vehicle following the crash and provided details.
“Police officers who spoke to the accused had concerns regarding his demeanour.”
Sheriff Brian Mohan slammed Parker for not taking his sentence seriously.
He warned him: “That is how people go to jail.
“You were given 270 hours for what was considered a pretty serious offence and you were given what is almost the maximum number of hours.
“I’m going to give you the benefit of considerable doubt here.
“Unless you have made great progress on these hours, you will be going to jail.”
Parker’s 270 hours of unpaid work was reimposed.
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