Four times the limit drink-driver sought help to fix puncture

Staff at garage reported driver to police after smelling alcohol when he asked for help with tyre

A drink-driver who went for help to fix a puncture while he was stinking of booze after a festive party night has landed a three-year ban.

Peter Hibbert hit trouble when his tyre failed on the edge of Arbroath on December 23 last year – but it was nothing compared to the bother he found himself in after a police breath test revealed the 44-year-old to be more than four times the legal limit at noon.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard it was Hibbert’s second drink-drive conviction in six years.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court a staff member at Mackie Motors garage in Montrose Road, Arbroath, had been approached by the accused shortly before noon for assistance with a puncture.

He appeared unsteady on his feet and was smelling of alcohol.

The quick-thinking garage worker made an excuse to leave Hibbert and phoned the police.

Ms Drummond said: “Police arrived around 11.50am and they found the accused attempting to change the wheel.

“They spoke to the accused and he told them that he had driven there. His eyes were bloodshot and he smelled strongly of alcohol,” added the fiscal.

A roadside breath test proved positive. Later, at police headquarters, Hibbert gave a breath alcohol reading of 96 microgrammes, against a legal limit of 22.

The accused, of Auchmithie, Arbroath, had previously admitted driving with excess alcohol in the town’s Montrose Road on December 23.

Defence solicitor Billy Rennie said his client recognised the previous analogous conviction of 2013 was significant.

“He is remorseful and he himself describes his behaviour as reckless,” said Mr Rennie.

“He had been at a family celebration through Saturday night and into the wee small hours of Sunday morning.”

The agent told the court Hibbert’s disqualification would cause considerable difficulties for the family.

He said it would also be a hindrance to plans he had to start a catering company.

“The loss of transportation will be a problem and he may have to move back to the west coast, but he understands it was his behaviour which led to this,” he added.

“He pled guilty at the outset on an undertaking to appear.”

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown also fined Hibbert £500.

He is remorseful and he himself describes his behaviour as reckless. DEFENCE SOLICITOR BILLY RENNIE