A Tayside businessman who crashed his car while more than four times the drink-drive limit was disqualified from driving for four years at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
Alistair Todd, of San Melito Coach House, Carnoustie, was also fined £3000 for offences which took place at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort on December 29.
The 57-year-old had previously admitted driving with excess alcohol (141 mics) and that he drove without due care or attention when he crashed his Landrover Discovery into a Honda Civic in the luxury resort’s car park.
The court heard that Todd, a well known property consultant, had a previous conviction for drink-driving.
The crown had applied for forfeiture of Todd’s car, but this request was refused by Sheriff Gregor Murray on Tuesday after a plea from defence agent Sandra Sutherland who noted the car was registered to Todd’s wife.
She told the court: “A personal matter led to my client starting to drink and continue drinking into the next day.
“He is extremely remorseful about his actions and is at a low risk of reoffending. He has asked his GP to refer him to counselling to ensure this never happens again.
“His work involves visiting rural properties and losing his licence will mean that he will have to employ a driver. He hopes to retain the vehicle for this purpose.
“He is prepared to undertake a community payback order or pay a substantial fine.”
Imposing the sentence, Sheriff Murray said: “I take into account the extremely high reading and that this was a second offence.
“I will disqualify you for four years, reduced from six years because of your early plea and impose a fine of £3000, which would have been £4500 were it not for your plea.”