A young dad has been banned for two years after he got behind the wheel of his car while over the drink-drive limit.
Jamie Ewen appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted being almost twice the limit when stopped by police on October 10.
The court heard the 24-year-old had been drinking at home with friends when he decided to drive them into town.
Fiscal depute Lynzi Souter said officers had received a tip-off and pulled him over on Springfield Avenue, Aberdeen.
When questioned, Ewen admitted he had been drinking and officers said they could smell alcohol.
When tested it was found Ewen had 65mcg of alcohol in his breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
Representing Ewen, of 8 Concraig Gardens, Kingswells, solicitor Ian Woodward-Nutt said his client and family heavily relied on his licence. He said Ewen’s six-year-old son uses a wheelchair.
Mr Woodward-Nutt said his long-term partner was also prohibited from driving for medical reasons and therefore the family was only able to get to and from Kingswells if Ewen was driving.
The solicitor said Ewen had stopped drinking for a period of time prior to getting behind the wheel and that he assumed he would be safe to drive.
Sentencing Ewen, Sheriff Kenneth Stewart said the young dad should have taken more care.
He said: “If your driving licence is so important it is beyond my understanding why you chose to risk losing it when there is a chance you may be affected by drink.
Sheriff Stewart disqualified Ewen for two years. However, he told him this period could be reduced by six months if he completes the drink drivers rehabilitation course. He was also fined £500.