Suspected drunk driver was hauled from his car and wrestled to the ground by members of the public

Shaun McGartland had stopped his damaged vehicle in the middle of the road and was held by witnesses until police arrived.

The 38-year-old refused to be breathalysed and turned his car key into a potential weapon during the incident on Bank Street.

Prosecutor Frankie Morgan told the town's sheriff court: "He had placed a set of car keys in his hand between his fingers and clenched his fist, with the key protruding from his fist."

Mr Morgan said: "A call had been made to police in relation to persons having removed a suspected drunk driver from a green Ford Fiesta.

"The car was in the middle of the roadway with the driver's door open and damage to the passenger side wheel arch.

"Persons were seen to be restraining the accused on the ground near to the vehicle."

The court heard how McGartland, of Roxburgh Street, was abusive towards officers and refused to provide roadside and police office breath samples on the afternoon of June 6.

He has a previous conviction for a similar offence and has been remanded in custody since the incident.

McGartland, of Roxburgh Street, shouted and swore at the police.

When cautioned and charged he replied: "That's impossible."

Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan said: "Mr McGartland has never previously suffered a custodial sentence.

"He had certain difficulties in his personal life, these led to a breakdown in his mental health and he appears to have dealt with his problems by drinking to excess.

"He did have good paid employment as a supervisor with Amazon."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence until August 21 for a background report and allowed McGartland bail meantime.

The lawman banned him from driving with immediate effect.