OFF THE ROAD Drink-drive rap will cost motorist his job
Police swoop as he moves car
A high- flying financial advisor faces loses his job after earning a drink-driving conviction in the most unusual circumstances.
Tony Moore, 32, of Neilston Road in Paisley, had downed two pints when he was asked to move his broken down motor because it was causing an obstruction in the street.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard the £40,000-a-year financial accounts manager will lose his employment as a result of the drink- driving rap and disqualification.
Fiscal depute John Penman said: “At 1am on August 14 police were asked attend Charleston Square in Paisley where they observed the motor vehicle, described as a silver Ford Focus.
“There was no- one there when they attended. They received a further call shortly afterwards where they noticed a male who was attempting to drive.
“The engine was running and there were two further males pushing the vehicle. They approached the driver and they noticed a smell of alcohol coming from the driver.
“A breath test was carried out ,which the driver failed, and he was taken into custody where the usual procedures were carried out.”
Moore yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a motor vehicle at Charleston Square while having consumed so much alcohol the proportion in his breath was 40 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 22 micrograms.
He also admitted a second charge of failing to appear at court for a pre-trial hearing.
Defence agent Chris McKenna said his client was “very unfortunate” to earn his first conviction, which will cost him his career.
He said: “He had just bought the car the previous day.
“It had been left by the mechanic and had possibly been obstructing neighbours living across the road from him.
“The car was damaged and his position was other people were helping him, by pushing, to move the car. They were helping move it.
“He had been for a couple of pints. It was unclear he would have been over the limit. The car was only moved a short distance.”
Mr McKenna added: “He is a financial accounts manager on £3,500 a month and as a result of this conviction he will lose his job.
“He has a company car and his job requires him driving around to met with clients. He will be looking for a new job now and his only income will come from benefits.”
Sheriff Janys Scott said: “In respect of the drink-driving offence, I will impose one the lowest fines of £350, reduced from £375 to reflect the plea.
“In respect of the non-appearance, the fine will be £50.”
She also disqualified Moore from driving for 12 months, which he could reduce to nine months on the successful completion of the drink-driving rehabilitation course.