Falkirk publican drove drunk to take blood soaked pal to A&E

Richard Dunn (30), 4 Adam Street, Falkirk, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday having admitted drink driving at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on March 22.

Nhabeela Rahmatullah, procurator fiscal depute, said: “Police were approached by a witness who informed them she had seen a vehicle the accused was driving near the accident and emergency department.

“The accused was in the driver’s seat and appeared to be under the influence. Officers talked to the accused and checks were carried out. They detected a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused.”

Dunn was tested and gave a reading of 105 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 22 microgrammes.

Defence solicitor Simon Hutchison said: “The reason for his driving was a gentleman had suffered a serious gardening injury to his foot – this was confirmed by police at the time.”

The court heard Dunn had previous drink driving and driving while disqualified offences on his record.

Mr Hutchison stated Dunn was the owner of a cleaning business and a manger at two pubs.

“It’s been a spectacular fall from grace for him,” said Mr Hutchison. “He was drinking several bottles of wine and several bottles of spirits a day.”

Sheriff Christopher Shead banned Dunn from driving for three years and placed him on a supervised community payback order for 12 months with the condition he complete 160 hours unpaid work in that time.