Driver who nearly caused crash had empty whisky bottle in car

A drink-driver was found with an empty bottle of whisky in his car after police officers followed him as he drove chaotically around a country road – nearly causing a series of head-on collisions.

Gordon Clark was almost five times the drink-drive limit when he swerved in front of a car containing three children.

The youngsters’ parents had to swerve on to a pavement to avoid a crash, and minutes later flagged down police to report him.

Officers moved to stop Clark, following him with sirens blaring and lights flashing as he swerved wildly across roads in north east Fife, between Cupar and Pitlessie. They saw him swing in front of another car carrying children and a bus before finally managing to get in front and bring him to a halt.

Officers then found the empty whisky bottle, as well as a bottle of mouthwash in the door pocket.

Clark told police: “I don’t believe I was dangerous or careless.”

Depute fiscal Jennifer Johnston said: “Drivers had to take evasive action to avoid collision with him.”

Clark, 60, of Durward Drive, Glenrothes, pleaded guilty on summary complaint to charges of drink driving and dangerous driving committed on May 26 this year.

He had 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 22 microgrammes.

Defence solicitor Katrina Clark said: “He expresses his shame, contrition and regret at his conduct here.”

Sheriff Tom Hughes ordered Clark to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and banned him from driving for three years.