Anniversary row leads to ban for drink driver
A wedding anniversary celebration turned sour for a self-employed joiner who admitted a drink driving offence.
Thirty-eight-year-old Darren Spence of Knoll Park, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 75 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – on July 26.
Prosecutor Ruraidh Allison explained how the accused and his wife had been out in Edinburgh to celebrate their wedding anniversary but when they got home he drove off in his car.
He was found by police a short distance away in a car park in the rear passenger seat.
Officers noted his speech was slurred and there was a smell of alcohol.
Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said it was a “classic scenario” of his client arriving home and after an argument had developed he made the fateful decision to get away from the situation by driving his car away and sleeping in the vehicle.
In addition to being banned for 20, Spence was fined £500 with a £40 Victim Surcharge.
Sheriff Robert Fife told him if he successfully completed the Drink Driver Rehabilitation Course at his own expense the disqualification period would be reduced by five months.