Galashiels drink-driver banned from the road

A Galashiels man has admitted a drink driving offence and has been banned from the road for a year at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
Thistle Street in Galashiels.Thistle Street in Galashiels.
Thistle Street in Galashiels.

Martin Bebbington, 63, of Thistle Street pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 31 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22.

The offence was committed in the Stanley Street/Thistle street area of Galashiels on October 3, 2018.

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Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said witnesses spotted the accused driving in Galashiels and formed the view that the driver had been drinking.

She continued: “Police officers attended and found him at his home address. He was there with his wife.

“He commented that on his return he had drank some alcohol.”

Bebbington gave a specimen of breath which returned a reading of 31 microgrammes which was over the limit.

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Defence lawyer Colin Severin pointed out the offence happened two years ago and it was a low reading.

He said it was below the legal limit before the legislation was changed.

Mr Severin said Bebbington was under significant stress at the time due to his wife’s health difficulties.

He was formerly an IT consultant in Broxburn, but was now his wife’s full-time carer.

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Sheriff Roderick Flinn disqualified Bebbington from driving for 12 months and imposed a fine of £300.

He also certified him suitable for the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme which offers a discount of 25 per cent on the length of the ban if completed successfully at his own expense.