Van driver was found slumped at the wheel

Drunk motorist caught out twice in six weeks by cops

A white van man was found reeking of booze and slumped over the wheel twice in just weeks.

David Mason, 42, was nabbed by cops after he passed out in his Ford Transit in a car park near his home.

But he was lifted again just weeks later after getting back in the driver’s seat with an open lager can in his hand.

The motorist pled guilty to drink driving and being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Prosecutor Emma Jeffrey told how he was collared for the second time in a month – more than twice the limit.

She said: “Officers responded and observed the transit van parked with the engine running and the accused seated within.

“The driver opened the door when he saw the police approach and officers noted him to be under the influence of alcohol.

“His speech was slurred and his eyes were glazed.

“They observed an empty can of lager on the passenger seat.

“They asked if he had anything to drink in the last 20 minutes, he answered no.

“He gave a breath specimen which gave a positive result.”

Mason had been spotted by a neighbour reversing his van in Erskine’s Lauclan Crescent around 5pm, last November 22.

Another saw him park up and approached to make sure he was okay.

They tapped on the window to try and rouse him, but phoned cops after they spotted an open booze can.

The driver had been rapped just weeks before when he was found in charge of the van after drinking.

He was found slumped and asleep at the wheel of the vehicle in nearby Bargarran Square.

Officers arrived and could smell alcohol when they opened the door around 8pm last October 15.

He was breath tested and found to be more than three times the limit.

Defence lawyer Tony Callahan insisted his client had taken actions to address his addiction.

He said: “He’s a man who didn’t come to the attention of the court until recently.

“Through his own volition he has made contact with alcohol counsellor.

“He did so previously, but it didn’t work too well and he had a relapse.

“This is related primarily to the break-up of his marriage.

“He’s well aware these matters are serious.”

Mason was placed under supervision and ordered to attend booze counselling and fined £600.

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew blasted the driver and banned him from the road for 20 months.

He said: “You will understand the court has concerns over the proximity of these offences.

“While you may maintain you had no intention of driving in one of these, you have pled guilty to exactly that.

“In this case, I am going to disqualify you because I have the discretion to do so.”

Mason, of the town’s Mainscroft, was also told to carry out 224 hours of unpaid work in 12 months.