A court has heard how a chronic alcoholic was found behind the wheel with a bottle of rum in his hand during the morning rush hour.
Repeat offender George McNaughton was caught red-handed while more than three times over the legal limit.
McNaughton (64), Prieston Road, Bankfoot, admitted driving a car with excess alcohol (121 mics the legal limit is 35) on various Perth roads on June 20, at Perth Sheriff Court.
Police were called after he was seen driving erratically, weaving across the road and into the face of oncoming traffic. When stopped by officers, they were shocked to find him in possession of a bottle of rum.
Depute fiscal Katie Pacholek said the offence had come to light at 7am.
“The accused’s car was seen to swerve into the face of oncoming traffic,” she said.
“The vehicle was stopped and he was found to be holding a bottle of rum.
“There was also a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused.”
McNaughton, who has several previous drink-driving convictions, had already been banned for 10 years following last June’s offence. He was also ordered to do 150 hours’ community service an order he breached after he once again began to hit the bottle.
“Mr McNaughton thought he could handle his drinking and he could for a period but he then went back to it again,” said solicitor John McLaughlin.
“A total of 150 hours of community service had been imposed and he had managed to complete just over a third of that total before he breached the order by failing to turn up.”
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis described McNaughton’s indiscretion as “shocking,” but said he would not impose a curfew as it might only leave the accused “as happy as Larry.”
“This was a very high reading indeed,” the sheriff noted. “I fear that a restriction of liberty order would just mean he could stay inside with a bottle which would leave him as happy as Larry.
“He obviously found solace in alcohol but was actually doing quite well with the community service order,” he continued.
“Nevertheless, Mr McNaughton must appreciate this is a very serious matter.
“He was, to use the vernacular, out of his box. He also had a bottle of rum with him while he was driving.”
In addition to the 10-year driving ban, McNaughton was placed on probation for 12 months on Wednesday. He must also undertake alcohol counselling and complete 120 hours of unpaid work.