A Kinross motorist got drunk and careered on to the wrong side of the M90, causing a head-on smash, because he felt “overwhelmed” by his workload.
Piotr Poniewierski was almost four times the legal limit when he got behind the wheel in the midst of an “emotional breakdown.”
The court said he made the mistake of trying to drive home after drinking because he was feeling the stress of having worked long hours, five days a week for the last 11 years.
Poniewierski, of Green Park, Kinross, was originally charged with dangerous driving.
The 59-year-old appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving without due care and attention on the M90, near Milnathort, on August 1.
He admitted crossing onto the incorrect carriageway and colliding with another vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol.
The factory worker was fined £850 and disqualified for 16 months.
Car appeared on slip-road
Fiscal depute David Currie told the court: “At around 7pm, a witness was travelling westward along the M90.
“As he approached the slip road, he saw the accused’s vehicle coming in an easterly direction.
“It continued to enter the road from the off-ramp, went into the opposing carriageway and struck the offside front of the witness’s vehicle.”
Mr Currie said: “The witness called 999 to and alerted police.
“Officers arrived a short time later and traced the accused.”
The court heard Poniewierski was breathalysed at the roadside.
“He failed that test and was subsequently arrested,” said Mr Currie.
‘Ashamed and embarrassed’
A lawyer for Poniewierski told the court: “On this day, he tells me he was feeling overwhelmed and had an emotional breakdown.
“He tells me that for the last 11 years he has been working 11 hour shifts, five days a week.
“He also looks after the house and does all the chores and the cooking. He looks after his wife, who is disabled.”
The solicitor said: “He foolishly took the decision to go for a drink and then drove home.
“His judgement was impaired on this occasion.
“He had been under the impression that he was fit to drive, but in reality he wasn’t.”
She added: “He is ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour.
“He has been very remorseful and he is fully aware of the consequences.”
The court heard Poniewierski could continue to work without a driving licence, but he would not be able to do nightshift duties.
Rehab course
Poniewierski admitted driving with 87 mics of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 22 mics.
Sheriff Kevin Duffy told Poniewierski: “The drink-drive reading in this case is high, almost four times the limit.
“I take into account of your personal circumstances and the likely consequences of your disqualification on you and your wife.”
Giving Poniewierski the chance to reduce his disqualification term by taking part in a drink-drive rehab course, the sheriff added: “You have pled guilty at the earliest opportunity, which is to your credit.”
