Motorists concerned by dodgy driving dialled 999

A sozzled motorist who sparked mayhem with his ropey driving has been slated by a sheriff.

Gary McFadyen, 49, was spotted by concerned road users swerving at the wheel of his Nissan Juke on the major A737 carriageway.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard witnesses who spotted his wayward motoring at the Johnstone eastbound slip road in the early hours alerted cops amid fears he was driving under the influence.

It later emerged that he was four times the legal limit during the incident on August 14.

Fiscal depute Tom Bowman told the court: “Witnesses observed the accused driving the vehicle at around 12.50am.

“The vehicle was swerving all over the road. He was driving with sudden bursts of acceleration for which there was no reason.

“Witnesses contacted police, who attended the locus and stopped the vehicle at around 1.15am where the vehicle was travelling northbound on the carriageway.

“The accused was found to have glazed eyes, his speech was slurred, he was swaying from side to side and unsteady on his feet.

“A roadside breath test was carried out, which he failed.

“He was then taken to a police station, where the usual procedures were carried out.

“The accused made no reply to caution and charge.”

This week, McFadyen, of Aurs Drive, Barrhead, appeared for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of getting behind the wheel with 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 22mcg.

He also admitted a charge of committing the offence while out on bail from Paisley Sheriff Court.

Defence agent Kevin Brady said: “He recognises the depth of trouble that he is in. He has a previous conviction for drink driving.

“He acknowledges that his behaviour is simply inexcusable and he will have to address his problem associated with alcohol abuse.”

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew told McFadyen: “I am concerned this offence was committed while you were subject to not one, but two bail orders.

“And this is second offence for drink driving.”

He added this offence would normally earn custody, but he was prepared to spare him jail with a community based punishment.

He banned McFadyen from the road for 54 months, and handed him a Community Payback Order lasting 18 months, where he will undergo alcohol counselling, and perform 150 hours unpaid work within nine months.

He also placed the drunk driver on an electronic tag for three months and warned him he faces jail if he breaches any part of the order.