Convicted drunk driver fled home after violence risk

A lag out on a tag broke his home detention curfew because he was getting threats.

Drunk driver Paul Markie was handed the restriction of liberty order in April after being caught almost four times the limit while “showing off” to women.

Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday heard that he had breached the order because shady characters were coming to his door and making threats of violence.

The 28-year-old, who appeared from custody, admitted breaking the curfew amid fears for his own safety following his arrest on another matter.

Defence agent Gordon Ritchie said: “My client admits the breach of the order and he has provided evidence that the police at Johnstone were notified.

“He was out of the building at the relevant time and he phoned police on more than one occasion.

“The issue arose as people were coming to his door and making threats. He did this to avoid an immediate risk of conflict.

“He only left the house in order to protect himself because he was in immediate danger and reported this matter to police.”

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew agreed with the lawyer that Markie had shown a reasonable excuse for admitting the breach of the order.

The order was imposed after he was arrested for tearing down Paisley’s High Street at excessive speed in the early hours of the morning February 19.

He told officers he was showing off at the wheel of his green Ford Focus when cops switched on their flashing lights and siren and stopped him for a roadside check.

He recorded a reading of 85 microgrammes of alcohol per 100mls of breath, when the legal limit is 22. He was also driving without insurance.

He was placed on an electronic tag for three months, requiring him to remain indoors between 8pm and 7am.

Yesterday, Sheriff Pettigrew revoked the curfew and handed him a Community Payback Order, requiring Markie, of Cowal Drive, Linwood, to perform 100 hours of unpaid work.

He said: “You have been in custody over this and I will bring that to an end.

“I am imposing a new order requiring you to carry out 100 hours unpaid work within four months.”