I saw Nutini at bar drinking what would be more than the legal limit
Witness tells court star bought booze
PAOLO Nutini was shopped to police for drink driving after being spotted boozing with friends in a bar in his hometown, a court heard yesterday.
The singer, from Paisley, went on trial yesterday accused of driving while twice the legal booze limit.
The star’s defence claim he was not over the limit when he drove and drank alcohol at home with friends before police arrived to breathalyse him.
But a police officer who arrested the New Shoes singer told Paisley Sheriff Court Nutini admitted he’d “done wrong”.
The offficer claimed the pop star said he had been “stupid” while en route to the station in a police car and admitted he had drunk vodka with friends before driving.
Nutini, 30, is alleged to have driven on Paisley’s Maxwellton Street, Canal Street and High Street on February 21 with 48mcg of alcohol in 100ml breath, when the legal limit is 22mcg.
Witness Colin May told the court how he reported Nutini to police after watching him enjoy drinks with friends in De Beers bar on High Street.
The 33-year-old said he watched the singer, who he recognised, and a friend order three rounds between them.
He said: “From memory, I think it was vodka.”
Colin, who works in the pub trade, said he got to the bar at about 10.10pm and left before midnight – 10 minutes after Nutini left with his friends.
He said a few minutes after leaving he pulled up alongside a dark Mini at traffic lights and saw the singer behind the wheel.
He said: “My thoughts were that I had seen him drinking and being at the bar having what would be more than the legal limit.
“I was a bit thrown and continued my journey home, then I called the police.”
Nutini’s lawyer Massimo Franchi told the witness he could not be sure what Paolo was drinking that night.
He said: “The most you see is a friend and Paolo Nutini going up to the bar on three occasions.
“And you can’t tell the court whether or not on those three occasions he was drinking vodka or he drank soda and lime?” Colin replied: “No, I can’t.” PCs Laura Murray and Neil McCole both gave evidence, saying they were called to the star’s home after receiving a report of drink driving.
They said the Mini was in the drive when they arrived at about 12.10am and Nutini appeared at the door and admitted being the driver.
The officers said they gave him a breath test at about 12.30am, which he failed.
The singer was arrested and cautioned and taken to Govan police station.
PC Murray said: “The accused was speaking freely within the back of the vehicle, stating he had been in De Beers watching the football with friends.
“He said that he had been drinking vodka with friends. He was very apologetic, saying he realised he had done wrong and was stupid for his actions.
“He stated he had driven his car home that night as he was fearful of leaving it in the town centre of Paisley for fear it would be damaged.”
Both officers said Nutini claimed he had drunk alcohol on returning to the house but his version of what he drank changed on the journey to the station.
PC McCole added: “When he got back he said he had a mouthful of wine. He then quickly changed that to a mouthful of whisky.”
After failing a further test at the station at about 1.40am, Nutini was charged with drink driving.
The singer, whose fans were in the public gallery yesterday, denies the allegations.
The trial continues.
He was apologetic, saying he realised he had done wrong and been stupid POLICE OFFICER