Drink driver writes off car in ditch crash

A council electrician crashed his car leaving it a write- off during a drink drive spree.

Lee Smith, 22, was driving his parent’s Peugeot 207 when it aquaplaned and landed in a ditch.

He abandoned the car on Old Loans Road, Dundonald and walked to his home in Bruce Avenue in the village, Ayr Sheriff Court heard last week.

Smith is an apprentice electrician with South Ayrshire Council - and his job is now in jeopardy.

Depute fiscal Jacob Tomnay said someone reported the road traffic accident and Smith walking away at 4.55am on October 22.

Officers traced the car to Smith’s address.

An ambulance was called after Smith complained of pains and he was examined by paramedics.

Officers conducted a breathalyser test, which revealed he was three times over the limit. A reading showed he had 66 microgrammes in 100ml of breath - the limit is 22.

Lawyer Tony Currie said Smith had been out meeting friends in Troon and had made an “error of judgement.”

Explaining why Smith didn’t phone the police, Mr Currie said: “His mobile phone was damaged. He had to walk to his house to report it.

“It was a very bad mistake on his part. He is very apologetic.”

Smith was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £ 400.

On sentencing, Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart told him it was an “error of judgement” and now he “could see the consequences of that.”