A drink-driver was fined £2,000 and banned from the roads for two years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.
Patrick Harte, 50, of Raeburn Place, Selkirk, admitted driving a car in the town’s Shawburn Road on April 7 with a breath/alcohol reading of 161 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.
Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the offence happened in a residential street during daylight, when traffic was moderate. A police officer was driving a marked vehicle when he noticed a black Audi being driven in an erratic manner.
Ms Bradley went on: “It struck the nearside kerb and crossed on to the wrong side of the road, causing an oncoming bus to brake sharply. The blue light was activated on the police vehicle, but the car driver seemed oblivious. He eventually noticed it and pulled over.”
Harte was alone in the car and smelling strongly of alcohol.
Other officers attended and the accused provided a positive roadside breath test. He was taken to Galashiels police station and made no reply to caution.
“Given the exceptionally high reading, there is a Crown motion for forfeiture of the vehicle,” concluded Ms Bradley.
Harte’s lawyer, Mat Patrick, said his client acknowledged the seriousness of the offence and fully accepted his responsibility, showing genuine remorse.
Mr Patrick said his client, who was currently signed off work, had bumped into some friends and had too much to drink, adding: “There is no rational explanation for why he drove.”
Referring to the Crown motion, he argued it would be disproportionate to forfeit the vehicle, telling Sheriff John Halley: “It is a 2011 Audi A4 with a low mileage, valued at between £15,000 to £16,000.”
The sheriff told Harte: “This is a very serious offence, standing the reading which was taken, which is of great concern to the court. There is an element of risk to the public, but I note the offence is completely out of character and that you are unable to undertake unpaid work in the community.
“Therefore, I intend to impose a substantial fine of £2,000, reduced from £3,000 for the early plea.”
The forfeiture request was refused.