A Fife man who was caught drink driving for a fourth time urged a sheriff to impose a lifetime road ban.
Liam Potter appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Wednesday where he admitted driving with excess alcohol on October 14 in Methilhill.
The 32-year-old was more than three times over the limit while behind the wheel of his Renault Kangoo van. He also admitting being drunk behind the wheel on August 4.
The court was told Potter, of Kirkside Court in Leven, has now been convicted for drink driving four times.
He was handed a six-year ban but told the sheriff he would rather be ordered never to drive again.
Fiscal depute Jamie Hilland said: “At around 9.40pm on October 14, police were contacted by a person who had seen the accused’s vehicle being driven at the locus.
“The vehicle had been seen driving in an irregular manner and was stopped by officers. The accused was taken to the police station where procedures were carried out.”
Defence solicitor Martin McGuire said: “He is a 32-year-old man with a history of substance misuse which triggered difficulties with his mental health.
“He tells me that he doesn’t intend to drive again. He is extremely anxious about the prospect of a custodial sentence.”
For the August offence, Sheriff James Williamson placed Potter under supervision for two years and ordered him to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.
He was placed on a six-month restriction of liberty order for the most recent offence and disqualified from driving for six years.
After passing sentence, Potter said to the sheriff: “I’d rather take a lifetime ban.”
He was later warned that if he breached any of the orders, he faced being sent to prison as they were imposed as a direct alternative to custody.
The Crown was also granted forfeiture of Potter’s vehicle which the court was told is worth £1600.
He had been given a special bail condition banning him from selling the vehicle before his case called at court.
