A driver who was more than four times the alcohol limit has been banned from the roads for six years.
Twenty-six-year-old Martyn Murray – whose car was also forfeited by the court – drove away from a supermarket, where he had stopped to buy alcohol, after staff refused to serve him.
Murray, of Grubbit, Morebattle, admitted driving a car at Sprouston Road, Station Road and Sainsbury’s car park, in Kelso, on November 11 with a breath/alcohol reading of 148 mcgs – the legal limit is 35.
Sheriff Donald Corke, who said he believed this was a record alcohol reading in Scotland, also imposed a two-year community payback order, with a condition Murray completes 120 hours of unpaid work.
Depute procurator fiscal Kate McGarvey told Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday how Murray drove to a supermarket to buy alcohol during the afternoon of November 11.
“He was refused by staff because of his demeanour,” she explained.
“Police were contacted by a member of the public after he was seen driving towards Kelso town centre,” added Ms McGarvey.
Officers turned up at Murray’s home where they found the vehicle, with the engine still warm, and the accused admitted he had been driving.
Defence solicitor Rory Bannerman said the Crown motion for forfeiture of the car was not opposed.
“He is, very sensibly, not contesting that the vehicle should be forfeit,” said Mr Bannerman.
The solicitor said his client had “a significant alcohol problem”, but was “contrite and understanding of how dangerous this was”.
Sheriff Corke told Murray: “It is extremely dangerous for you to be anywhere near a motor vehicle.”