A man who went on a staff night out and planned to stay sober ended up being caught behind the wheel while four times the legal drink-drive limit.
Nathan Hessey, 33, was caught drink-driving on March 13 when cops noticed he didn’t have his lights switched on.
Hessey, who had been out with workmates, gave in to peer pressure and ended up boozing before getting behind the wheel.
The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around half past midnight on March 13, officers were driving on the M8 when a Ford Transit came to their attention as it was driving with no lights.
“Officers indicated for the vehicle to stop and it did.
“Officers spoke with the accused and detected a strong smell of alcohol.
“A roadside breath test was carried out which tested positive for alcohol.
“The accused was taken to Clydebank police station where he was processed in the usual manner and made no reply to caution and charge.”
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Defence agent Robert Mitchell told the court Hessey lost his job as a result of the incident but has found other employment.
Mr Mitchell said: “He is now working with an environmental agency. Prior to this he was working on overhead power lines but as a result of this he immediately lost his employment and his salary has reduced significantly.
“He was out with friends, work colleagues, with the intention not to drink and the next thing he knows he was at the police station.
“As with many, once he started consuming alcohol, he kept going.
“He is in distress with what he’s done to himself and his family.”
Father of a two-year-old, Hessey admitted to drink-driving on the M8 Eastbound at Junction 29 on March 13 this year.
The proportion of alcohol in Hessey’s breath was 102mg. The legal limit is 22mg.
On sentencing, Sheriff Grant Hutchison said: “Given you’ve got a clean record, I can dispose of this with a moderate disqualification.”
Sheriff Hutchison banned Hessey, of Pontarddulais in Swansea, Wales, for 12 months reduced from 18 months for his early plea.
In addition, a fine of £420 was ordered to be paid at £50 per month.
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