By Dave Lord

A PERTHSHIRE man was banned from driving for two and half years after his own wife shopped him for drink driving.

Gordon Robertson’s fed up partner called the police after he turned up drunk at her place of work and attempted to hand over the family’s pet dog.

The 41-year-old was found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit when breathalysed by officers a short time later.

Robertson, of Blandrum Terrace, Pitlochry, admitted driving in the town with excess alcohol (117 mics, the legal limit is 35) on March 11.

He further pleaded guilty to driving without an appropriate licence and without insurance.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how Robertson’s furious wife called the police following an argument.

Depute fiscal Stuart Richardson gave details of the offences, which were committed at around 3pm on a Tuesday afternoon.

“The accused’s wife was working in a local restaurant at the time,” he said.

“He arrived to deliver the family dog to her.

“She came out of the restaurant...there was altercation between them and she realised he had been drinking.

“The accused then drove off and his wife phoned the police,” Mr Richardson continued.

“He was traced at his home address a short time later.”

Solicitor Mark Alder said Robertson was honest enough to admit he had a serious problem with alcohol.

“Mr Robertson advises me that he and his wife were going through a separation at the time,” he told the court.

“He knows he has a problem with alcohol and has been given medication by his GP in regard to that.

“Mr Robertson has also be been referred to the Tayside alcohol service...and has consulted his doctor for assistance with depression.”

Mr Alder said the accused’s alcohol problems, depression and rows with his wife had effectively “got on top of him” on the day in question.

“He was not thinking clearly and stupidly drove the vehicle,” the solicitor continued.

“Mr Robertson very much regrets the incident and has now got rid of the car so it will not happen again.

“Although he is currently unemployed there is the prospect of him seeking employment with a friend who is in the window cleaning business.”

Mr Alder added that Robertson and his wife were now considering a reconciliation.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis banned the accused from driving for 30 months and fined him a total of £600.

Robertson agreed to pay the fine at a rate of £10 per month.