An oil worker attempted to drive home to Stonehaven after a night out in Aberdeen despite being “too drunk to stand”.
Adam Stephen was fined £600 and banned from driving for 16 months when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, where he admitted driving his grey Mini hatchback after drinking.
The 25-year-old was found to have 77 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when he was tested more than an hour after being stopped. The legal limit is just 22mcg.
The court heard that officers watched him “driving across both lanes of the carriageway” as he approached Muchalls at about 2.30am on Sunday May 13.
Depute fiscal Vicki Begg said that when police later approached the vehicle in a lay-by, they found Stephen in a “slumped position” and detected a strong smell of alcohol.
She added: “The accused was asked to exit the vehicle but was unable to get to his own feet and was unable to walk.”
Defence agent Stuart Murray said Stephen had intended to stay with a friend that night but became separated during the course of the evening.
Mr Murray added: “It was then too late to get public transport and he decided to drive home.”
Stephen, of Ivy Place in Stonehaven, works as a plant operator.
His solicitor said his employers had pledged to keep him on in the event of a driving ban. Stephen can reduce his 16-month ban if he takes part in a drink-drivers rehabilitation course.