COURT Banned from the road for 16 months

A man who drove a car with three-anda-half times the legal amount of alcohol in his blood has been fined £700 and banned from driving for 16 months.

John Ashbridge, 44, of Westdale Crescent, Moodiesburn, was caught drink driving on Gartferry Road, also in Moodiesburn, on May 6 last year.

Prosecutor Louise Beattie told Airdrie Sheriff Court last week:“At 9.10pm, witnesses at the scene saw Ashbridge’s car being driven at excessive speed.

“He failed to negotiate a right-hand bend and drove into a field, striking a fence and a tree.

“The driver was trapped in the vehicle and had to be released by fire service workers.

“He was fortunate only to have suffered cuts, scratches and a bump to his head.

“He [Ashbridge] failed a road side breath test and was arrested. He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and blood tests revealed his alcohol level was over three times the limit.”

Defence lawyer Jim Sloan said:“He pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity.

“This seemed to be a cry for help. He tried to attend Alcoholics Anonymous,

“He is deeply ashamed about his conduct.

“Hopefully this will be the end of any such incidents.

“He hasn’t had a drink since then.” Sheriff Derek O’Carroll told Ashbridge, a self-employed bricklayer: “There is considerable mitigation in your case.”

The sheriff informed Ashbridge that the fine had been reduced from £1000 because of his early plea and ordered him to pay at a rate of £200 per month.