A man whose alcohol reading was described as “bordering on astronomical” escaped a jail sentence at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Roman Zwinger, 31, of Cotton of Inchock, Arbroath, was caught driving at almost six times the legal limit.
He admitted that on June 12, on the B965 Chapelton to Inverkeilor road, he drove a car with excess alcohol (130 mics).
Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable said officers were in the area in relation to another incident when their attention was drawn to Zwinger’s car.
He said: “There was a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused.
“The accused posed no difficulties to them.”
An agent for Zwinger said the Czech national was very remorseful for his actions.
He added that Zwinger had been drinking at a barbecue and had not intended to drive but his plans changed.
“He is just thankful that no one was injured,” he added.
Sheriff Gregor Murray said a reading so high would normally result in a custodial sentence.
He opted to spare Zwinger a jail sentence, however, due to an early plea and the level of remorse being shown.
He told the accused: “The reading in your case is bordering on astronomical levels.
“It’s one of the highest I’ve ever seen.
“However, I think there is an alternative to custody in your case.
“You have no previous convictions, you pled guilty at an early stage and you are showing remorse.”
Sheriff Murray disqualified Zwinger from driving for 30 months and also ordered him to complete 140 hours of unpaid work.
The sentence was reduced from 210 hours as a result of the early plea submitted by the defence team.