Drunken motorist told police he was a professional drinker.

Man, 72, caught after altercation with roadworker fined £540 and banned from the road

A drunken motorist who had to be roused by police officers woke up and told them his occupation was “professional drinker”.

Duncan Wright, 72, had been involved in a bust-up with road workers because of the way he careered through roadworks while he was four times over the legal limit.

The road crew realised he was over the limit and reported him to police as he drove off drunk in his Vauxhall Zafira.

When officers caught up with Wright he was at home and had fallen asleep on the sofa.

His partner told officers he was “sleeping and drunk”.

“Police traced the accused sleeping on the sofa in the living room and he had what appeared to be a glass of whisky on the table in front of him,” depute fiscal Tina Dickie said.

“The police spoke to the accused. He gave his occupation to police officers as ‘professional drinker’. He failed the roadside breath test and was arrested.”

Wright, a retired window cleaner, admitted driving while more than four times over the limit on the A827 in Kenmore, Perthshire, on February 20.

Perth Sheriff Court was told he had a previous analogous conviction and he was banned from driving for 30 months and fined £540.

Mrs Dickie said: “At 1pm the accused was seen driving at the roadworks. Some kind of altercation took place and the accused was spoken to by one of the roadworkers.

“That person formed the opinion the accused was under the influence of alcohol. He was also found to be smelling of alcohol.”

Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said: “He apologises for his conduct.

“He clearly understands he will be disqualified.

“He had been attending an aunt’s funeral the day before and had been reflecting on that and had rather too much to drink.

“He had travelled to the local shop to purchase alcohol. He was a quarter mile from home. Given his age he will have difficulty seeking the return of his licence.”

Duncan Wright was found by police officers “sleeping and drunk” on his sofa after the altercation with roadworkers.