Driving offender dodges jail

A sheriff has slammed an Arbroath man for his latest offences behind the wheel.

Dennis Matthews was told that he had escaped jail by a whisker after admitting driving in the Angus town on July 18 with excess alcohol, no insurance and whilst disqualified.

Matthews recorded an alcohol reading of 47 microgrammes against a legal limit of 22.

Defence solicitor Nick Whelan said: “The social work report suggests there is an alternative to prison, and he has been engaging with the authorities.”

Forfar sheriff Gregor Murray told the 35-year-old: “I will make things as plain as I can to you.

“This is your fourth conviction for driving while over the limit, your eighth time with no insurance and your second for driving whilst disqualified.

“There are other things in your life that persuade me, by the slimmest of margins, not to send you to jail.”

Matthews was placed on a two-year community payback order including 200 hours of unpaid work, made subject to a six-month 7pm to 7am tagging order and banned from the road for six years.

Sheriff Murray said: “What concerns me is that in the past you have had a CPO and haven’t completed it. Anything other than a glowing report on your progress and you know what will happen.”