A delivery driver has been banned from the roads after drunkenly crashing his car into a stationary vehicle.
Petraq Dosti was over twice the legal drink-drive limit on October 30 last year when he drove on the opposite carriageway and collided with a stationary vehicle in Paisley’s Well Street.
Following the collision, the 44-year-old told the victim that there was “no need to call police” and was more concerned his dog who was in his Mercedes may have been injured.
Procurator fiscal depute, Amber Feeney told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 5.50pm, the witness was stationary in their car at the junction on Well Street to Brown Street, indicating to turn right.
“The accused then pulled into the opposing carriageway, colliding with the witness. The witness contacted the police and he told them, ‘there was no need to call police’.
“Officers were actioned to attend and the accused identified himself as the driver.
“A roadside breath test was carried out which the accused failed. He was arrested and taken to the police station where the intoximeter process was carried out giving the reading of 54mg.” The legal limit is 22mg in 100ml of breath.
Dosti’s defence agent explained Dosti had “been drinking more than normal” at the time of the incident after a family member in Greece had passed away.
He added: “He had a dog in the car and he was worried the dog was injured. It was more like he wanted to ensure the dog was okay, not avoid the police.
“This was a minor impact collision and there were no injuries. He has shown remorse and at the time of this, he felt fine to drive but admits he had been drinking earlier.
“He’s been living in the UK for the last 12 years and is employed as a delivery driver.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Eoin McGinty said: “You were over twice the legal limit and your driving was so impaired you collided into another vehicle after driving on the opposite carriageway.
“You’re fortunate no one was hurt because if they were, the only question for me today would be how long I’d be sending you to prison for.”
Sheriff McGinty banned Dosti, of Brown Street, Paisley, from the roads for 15 months and certified him suitable for the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme which, if he successfully completes, will reduce his ban by three months.
In addition, Dosti was fined a total of £840 and ordered to pay this at £100 per month.
Sheriff McGinty warned: “It goes without saying Mr Dosti that if you get into a car and drive while disqualified, it’s highly likely you will be sent to prison and I note you have quite a recent significant driving conviction on your record already.”
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