A PORT Glasgow pensioner was caught at the wheel four-and-a-half times the legal booze limit after drinking on the anniversary of his wife’s death.
David Galloway was pulled over by police on Kilmacolm Road after concerned members of the public saw him staggering when he got out of his vehicle.
The 73-year-old told officers his behaviour was ‘just stupid’, Greenock Sheriff Court heard.
Galloway provided a breath sample on July 20 this year which had a reading of 99 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
READ MORE:
The legal limit in Scotland is just 22 microgrammes.
The procurator fiscal depute said police were asked to attend Dubbs Road at around 2pm after receiving reports from members of the public that a man had been seen getting out of a car and staggering.
He said: “The vehicle was spotted by police at the Dubbs Road roundabout, exiting at the Kilmacolm exit, and was asked to stop.
“Police officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol and said the driver was unsteady.
Officers took a positive roadside breath sample from David Morrison on Kilmacolm Road. (Image: PA) “He provided a breath sample which was positive for alcohol, and was taken to Greenock police station where he provided a specimen and was cautioned and charged.”
The prosecutor added that that police reported Galloway said: “Just stupid, I thought it was fine.”
Gerry Keenan, defending, told Sheriff Anthony McGeehan: “Mr Galloway is a widower and July 19 was the anniversary of his wife’s death.
“He was drinking more than he had intended to into the early hours of the morning, and drove his vehicle to the shops.
READ MORE:
“There is nothing in his record that is of concern. This incident was directly linked to the anniversary.
“He doesn’t have any problem in terms of use of alcohol, and he tendered a plea of guilty at the first available opportunity.”
Sheriff McGeehan told Galloway: “I noticed that you stated to officers that it was ‘just stupid’ and I would agree.
“This was high risk behaviour should you have been involved in an accident, and more importantly, for other road users and pedestrians who may have been involved in an accident.
David Morrison was sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court. (Image: George Munro) “However, you are 73, and this is a first offence.”
Galloway was fined £400 reduced from £600 with a victim surcharge of £20 added, payable at £50 per month.
He was banned from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months, the minimum period allowed under the law, and must attend a drink driving rehabilitation course.