A DRINK driver was caught more than SIX-AND-A-HALF times the legal alcohol limit when he crashed his wife’s car during an ill-fated dash to work. 

Robert McNeil — now a two-time drink drive offender — has been banned from the roads for six years as a result of getting behind the wheel after he missed his morning bus.

McNeil, 57, of Greenock, was found to have 143mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — 6.5 times the 22mcg limit — more than an hour after smashing into a lamppost on the A8.

Police found him drunk in the driver’s seat of a white-coloured Volvo V40 near Woodhall Roundabout shortly before 6am.
Prosecutor Saud Ul-Hassan told Greenock Sheriff Court: “The vehicle was significantly damaged to the front and it ended up in the central reservation facing towards the westbound carriageway.

“Police received information that a vehicle had struck a lamppost near the Parklea playing fields.

“Officers detected a strong smell of alcohol and the accused provided a roadside sample of his breath for analysis which was positive for alcohol.

“At 7.16am in Greenock police office the accused provided two further samples of his breath on the intoximeter machine, giving an alcohol reading of 143mcg.”

McNeil, of Cairncurran Court, — who was banned for four years in 2007 for his initial drink driving offence — made no reply when he was cautioned and charged.

The court heard that he had missed his usual works bus to Rosyth Naval Dockyard on July 31 following a late night home drinking session and decided to take his wife’s car.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: “His position is that he missed his bus to work that particular morning.

“It is accepted that he drank to excess the previous night, and late on into the night as well.

“He had taken his wife’s car, hoping to catch the bus at some point on its journey.

“Mr McNeil pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.”

Solicitor Mr Gallagher added: “The background report demonstrates his remorse and he accepts that his conduct was irresponsible.

“The alcohol reading speaks for itself.”

Sheriff Linda Smith told McNeil: “Driving with this level of drink at any time of the day is reprehensible.

“I would understand your explanation regarding trying to catch a bus more if it were not for your previous conviction.”

As well as his six-year driving disqualification, McNeil was fined £660 — reduced from £1,000 due to his early guilty plea.