Labourer banned from the roads for drink-driving

A Neilston labourer has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel under the influence.

Stuart Heaney had been drinking before he got into his Renault to drop his partner’s sister off.

The 33-year-old was caught when he “erratically”pulled out at a junction in front of police.

Once cops pulled over Heaney, of Glen Creran Crescent, they could see his eyes were glazed and that he smelt of alcohol.

Prosecutor Dana Barclay told Paisley Sheriff Court:“Shortly after midnight on February 12, police were on mobile patrol on a marked vehicle in the Neilston area.

“Officers observed the accused pull out erratically at a junction in front of the police vehicle.

The accused’s vehicle was stopped and the accused was asked to exit the vehicle.

“Officers noted Heaney’s eyes to be glazed and there was a smell of alcohol coming from him.

“The accused was asked if he had been drinking and he made admissions stating,‘Yes, about a half-hour ago.’

“A roadside test was carried out which the accused failed.

“He was arrested, taken to Helen Street where the intoximeter process was carried out, producing the result of 31mg in 100ml of breath.

“He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.” earlier that day and his partner’s sister asked him to drop her off somewhere.

“He foolishly did so not considering the consequences.

“He wasn’t significantly over the limit and fully accepts responsibility and that he will be disqualified today.

“He offers no excuses and regrets his conduct.” Sheriff Grant Hutchison banned Heaney from the roads for 12 months but certified him suitable as a candidate in the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme.

If this is successfully completed, a discount of three months will be reduced from the ban.

In addition, Sheriff Hutchison fined Heaney £420 and ordered this to be paid at £50 per month.