A delivery driver’s career is in tatters after he crashed his van on the A90 while nearly five times the legal limit.
David Smith ploughed the white Renault Kangoo into a central reservation while a worried onlooker called police.
The former teacher, from Durham, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted driving down the A90, near Inchture, on March 27, with excess alcohol (102mics/22).
The 55-year-old was fined and banned from the road.
Witness called police
Fiscal depute Stuart Hamilton told the court: “At about 5.30pm, a witness was driving on the A90 towards Dundee when she became aware of the accused’s vehicle being driven erratically.
“She was fearful that he would crash.”
Mr Hamilton said: “She called police and while she was doing this, she observed the accused crash into a central reservation before striking a lamp post.
“The witness stopped her car and approached the accused.
“She noted he was the sole occupant.
“She remained with him until police officers arrived.”
Smith admitted to police he was driving and failed a roadside breath test.
“He was taken to police headquarters in Dundee after being checked out by paramedics,” the fiscal depute said.
Ashamed
Representing himself in the dock, Smith told Sheriff Mungo Bovey his wife had been diagnosed with a serious illness but “it’s no excuse,” he added.
“I’m ashamed. I don’t know what else to say.”
Asked what he did for a living, Smith said: “I was a delivery driver.”
Sheriff Bovey replied: “Oh dear.”
Smith added: “I was also a teacher but I don’t think I’ll be going back to that after this.”
He told the court he received a modest army pension.
Sheriff Bovey said: “This is an offence at the more serious end of these type of matters, given the high level of alcohol involved.
“And also because of the mishaps observed in Mr Smith’s driving.”
Smith, of Stewart Drive, Wingate, Durham, was fined £667 and disqualified from driving for a year.
He was told he can reduce his ban time by completing a drink driver rehabilitation course at his own expense.
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