Bainsford drink-driver who was almost six times limit hit with four-figure fine

John Woods (61), who drank “constantly” during lockdown, was questioned by police at his Bainsford home following an anonymous tip-off by a concerned member of the public who’d witnessed his driving at Tesco Petrol Station in Camelon.

Woods, of 205 Merchiston Avenue, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday) having pled guilty to driving a vehicle in Glasgow Road in Camelon, Merchiston Avenue in Falkirk and elsewhere on May 23 after consuming so much alcohol the proportion in his breath was 131 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed 22mcg per 100ml limit.

He also admitted driving without a licence and repeating his drink-driving offence when he got behind the wheel on July 8 in Camelon Road, Falkirk before being stopped by police and providing a breath specimen which showed he had 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

The court was told Woods also pled guilty to driving on July 8 when his licence had expired.

Detailing the original offence, Procurator fiscal depute Sean Maher said officers matched Woods’ vehicle registration plate to his address after being contacted by the member of the public at around 4.40pm.

When they arrived at his home, Woods appeared to be “heavily intoxicated”.

The fiscal depute said: “He identified himself as having driven the vehicle and was requested to provide a breath specimen.

“Having given a positive reading, he was arrested and conveyed to Falkirk Police Station where specimens were taken.

“Checks revealed he didn’t have a licence.”

The court heard Woods was pulled over by police at 2.15am on July 8 prior to providing a positive reading for alcohol.

His defence solicitor said Woods had no previous offending of this kind but has had an alcohol problem “for years”.

The lawyer told Sheriff Derek Hamilton his client had “significant” mental and physical health problems and added: “He accepts it was a gross misjudgement fuelled by alcohol.

“He is consuming a substantial amount of alcohol every day and it seems that has to be addressed for his own safety and that of the public at large.”

Addressing Woods, Sheriff Hamilton said: “You’ve got a limited record but these are significant driving charges.

“I’m prepared to give you one chance but it’s one chance only. If you don’t comply, there’s only one alternative disposal.”

As well as the four-figure fine and a conduct requirement to comply with alcohol counselling, Woods was disqualified for five years, placed under supervision for two years and ordered to resit an extended test.

His licence was also endorsed on two charges. Woods was told by Sheriff Hamilton he will be jailed if he fails to pay his fine within 28 days.

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