Driver passed out with bottle of vodka avoids jail

A MAN who was found passed out in a car with a bottle of vodka beside him has avoided jail.

John Orr was disqualified from driving, ordered to be under social work supervision, and carry out unpaid work after appearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The 56-year-old, of Newtonlea Avenue, Newton Mearns, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence, without due care and attention, and striking a wall on December 18, last year.

The court heard: “At around 8pm, the witness attended at their driveway on Sherbrooke Avenue but was unable to access it because of a vehicle parked in front of it.

“The lights of the vehicle were on and the witness flashed his headlights and sounded his horn around five times. This did not gain the attention of the accused who was asleep in the driver’s side.

“The witness approached the accused’s vehicle and observed a bottle of vodka and chapped the window, but this failed to get the driver’s attention. The witness then opened the driver’s door and shouted ‘excuse me’ before the accused woke up. He appeared disorientated.

“The accused then reversed his vehicle down Sherbrooke Avenue before mounting a pavement and heading towards a wall. The accused hit the wall, drove away, and the witness lost sight of the vehicle.”

Police were contacted and they found Orr in his vehicle a few streets away.

The procurator fiscal added: “Music was playing loudly. An officer asked the accused to turn the vehicle off. He fumbled with the car radio before turning the vehicle off. He was asked if he had consumed any alcohol in the last 20 minutes and he said, ‘not in the last 20 minutes but I have been drinking’. He was arrested, cautioned and charged.”

Orr’s solicitor explained that his client was suffering from mental health issues at the time of the offence.

He said: “Given his difficulties, he may benefit from supervision.

“He is available for unpaid work and has been working which is good for his mental health.”

The sheriff told Orr: “These are serious offences and I think you accept that.”

He was disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and be under social work supervision for 12 months.

A WOMAN has been found dead at a home.

Police have now launched a probe into the tragedy.

Officers were called to a home in Garscube Road on Sunday night after reports a 50-yearold woman had sadly died.

Her death is being treated as unexplained and police are investigating the incident.