A Paisley man who drove to a friend in distress has been banned from the roads after plain-clothed cops caught him over three times the drink-drive limit.
Francis Murphy was caught “swerving repeatedly” over the road by cops in an unmarked police car on October 3.
The 36-year-old admitted driving his BMW while the proportion of alcohol in his breath was 74mg. The legal limit is 22mg.
Procurator fiscal depute, Karen Yuill, told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 9.20pm, police officers were on plain-clothed patrol in an unmarked vehicle travelling on Netherhill Road in Paisley.
“The officers were directly behind the accused’s vehicle when they observed it swerving regularly over the centre lane.
“The accused turned left onto Netherhill Road and failed to indicate.
“The vehicle came to a stop on Bruce Road and officers approached the vehicle.
“From within the car, officers could detect a strong smell of alcohol.
“Murphy appeared under the influence and when speaking with officers there was a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, his eyes were glazed and he was slurring his words.
“Uniformed officers were requested to attend, and they did. Murphy was required to do a roadside breath test which he failed.
“He was arrested and processed in the usual way before being released on an undertaking to appear at this court.”
Defence agent Michael McKeown told the court Murphy has been “experiencing some difficulties”.
Mr McKeown added this was Murphy’s first offence and that he regretted his actions.
He explained: “He suffered an industrial injury and experiences some difficulties as a result. The litigation for that continues.
“On this particular night he received a call from a friend who was in distress.
“Distress for personal reasons and he felt he had to go see his friend as a result.
“The distance was quite short of about only five or ten minutes, but he decided to drive to his friend and now fully understands he will be disqualified from driving as a result.”
Sheriff Laura Mundell banned Murphy, of Smithhill Street, from driving for 12 months.
Sheriff Mundell certified Murphy suitable for the drink-drive awareness scheme that, if he successfully completes, will reduce his ban by three months.
In addition, Murphy was fined £450, reduced to £320 to reflect his guilty plea.
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