A former Angus marine was disqualified from driving after rushing to comfort a former partner.
Peter Slater, 51, of Montrose Street, Brechin, admitted a charge of driving with excess alcohol at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said police were contacted to attend the home of Slater’s ex-partner at 8.30pm on October 6.
She said the accused had left in his car to go to Brechin, and was under the influence of alcohol.
Officers traced Slater to Castle Street in Brechin.
Alcohol could be smelled in the vehicle, Ms Drummond added.
A breath test gave a reading of 88 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, where the legal limit is 35mics.
Slater’s defence agent Julie Young said her client is unemployed and undertakes short-term contracts as a gamekeeper.
She said he had two glasses of wine with his dinner at home before his former partner called, after which he drove from Brechin to Forfar.
It was after his visit police were called. Previous convictions were admitted.
Ms Young said Slater was “embarrassed” and added: “Previous to being a gamekeeper, he served 17 years as a marine.”
Slater’s ex-girlfriend suffers from depression and was “in a state”, which prompted him to drive to see her.
Sheriff Marion MacDonald disqualified Slater from driving for 18 months, which would be reduced by three months if he undertook a rehabilitation course. He was also fined £350.