Motorist spotted drunken trucker
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II A disqualified truck driver who was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been banned for three years.
Carlisle magistrates were told how police arrested 50year-old Alexander Bryce last June after seeing his 38-tonner exceeding the speed limit and swerving across both lanes and the hard shoulder of the A74 at Todhills. He had 101mg of alcohol in 100m1 of breath—nearly three times the legal limit.
Bryce, of Uddingston, Glasgow, admitted driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified and uninsured. He was banned for three years for drink-driving and given 200 hours' community service.
Magistrates imposed an identical concurrent sentence for dangerous driving; for driving while disqualified he was given a further 200 hours' community service, to run concurrently; for driving while uninsured he was fined 2300.
He must also sit an extended test before driving again.
Margaret Payne, defending, said Bryce needed to earn money to support a grandchild, and driving was the only work he could get. After the case, the two police officers who arrested Bryce, PCs Peter Young and Euan Stitt, praised the motorist who raised the alarm after spotting Bryce—who was serving an 18-month ban for drink-driving.
Bryce had been transporting empty bottles for Paisley based haulier WH Malcolm, where staff confirmed that his driving licence had been properly checked before he was given thejob.