Horrified holidaymakers called police on their coach driver after he emerged from a Perth hotel with “bloodshot eyes” and reeking of drink.
Michael Beattie was midway through a round-Scotland tour when he was boycotted by his passengers.
The 49-year-old had been spotted drinking at the Station Hotel’s public bar the night before.
Beattie, who worked for Falkirk-based Dewars Executive Coach Hire, was found by police at the wheel of his stationary coach in the hotel car park on May 15.
He was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.
Perth Sheriff Court heard he was sacked after just two weeks on the job.
Telltale signs
Fiscal depute Andrew Harding told the court: “The witnesses in this case were on a tour of Scotland coach trip, being driven by the accused.
“On this morning they noticed that he had slurred speech and was smelling of alcohol.
“One witness asked if he was okay, and he replied that he was.
“However, this witness was not happy with the accused’s response and she advised others not to go on the coach.
“She then contacted the police.”
The prosecutor said: “The same witness had observed the accused drinking in the hotel bar the night before.”
Police officers arrived at the car park and found Beattie in the driver’s seat of the coach, which was stationary, with its luggage hatch open.
“The accused was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time and was in possession of the keys,” said Mr Harding.
“Police officers approached him and could smell alcohol.
“They noted his slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.”
The fiscal depute told the court: “The accused said he was waiting for two guests to get onboard the coach.”
Driving ban
Beattie pled guilty to being in charge of the VDL Future coach with excess alcohol (31mics/22).
Solicitor Steven Lafferty, defending, said: “Mr Beattie lost his employment over this incident and has been out of work since.
“He had only been in the job for two weeks prior to this happening.”
Beattie’s licence was also revoked, the solicitor said.
Sheriff Gillian Wade told Beattie: “This is a concerning offence.
“What makes it more concerning is that you have a similar offence from 2013.”
Beattie, of Abbotsfield Drive, Laurieston, was banned from driving for five months.
He was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work and placed on supervision for a year.
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