Disqualified driver was three times over limit
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• A disqualified truck driver caught driving a 38-tonner in Cumbria was almost three times over the drink-drive limit.
Police stopped Glaswegian Alexander Bryce during the early hours of 28 June 1999 after his ERF artic sped past them on the A74 north of Carlisle, magistrates heard.
Last week Bryce, from Uddingston, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified.
Peter Bayly, prosecuting, said police became suspicious when they saw Bryce's artic, which was loaded with empty bottles for Paisleybased haulier WH Malcolm, overtake them at more than 60mph on a stretch of dual carriageway at Todhills.
They saw the lorry swerve onto the hard shoulder, then across both lanes, and then back to the hard shoulder,'" Bayly told the court. When tested, Bryce was found to have 101mg of alcohol in 100m1 of breath.
"Police also discovered he had been disqualified from driving for 18 months on 23 February of the same year for driving with excess alcohol," Bayly added.
Margaret Payne, appearing for Bryce, said her client had diabetes and that his medical condition was rele vant. Sentencing was adjourned so that probation and medical reports can be prepared. Magistrates granted Bryce bail after warning him they will consider all sentencing options.
Agnes Bell, the human resources manager at WH Malcolm, said that the company had checked Bryce's work history and photocopied his licence before employing him. "We take every precaution open to us," she added, suggesting that hauliers should be given new powers to cross-check with local police for a possible criminal record of any rib applicant.
• Three Carlisle men have appeared In court charged with conspiring to steal from trucks at the BP Truckstops lorry park near Kingstown, Carlisle last December.
Two of the accused. Paul Gibbons, of Orton Road, and Michael Routledge, of East Norfolk Street, were granted bail: Mark Robinson, of Nelson Street, was remanded in custody. The case was adjourned until 24 February.