A DRIVER who was caught behind the wheel nine times the legal limit has been disqualified for four years. 

Donald Haughey of Birch Terrace, Girvan, bumped into the car in front of him on the north bound lane of the A77 at the Whitletts Roundabout in March.

The 43-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. 

Depute Fiscal Hayley Roberston said: “At 6.45pm the witness and her passengers were in the vehicle, heading north on the A77 near the Whitletts Roundabout.

“She had stopped at a red light when the accused vehicle collided slightly with the rear of hers. Police attended and spoke to the accused. His eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of alcohol.

“Haughey failed the roadside breath test and was arrested at the time.”
Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Steven Maxwell, said: “The reading was extremely high. A lot of drink had been taken and he knows that.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Leslie, said: “This was an extreme level of intoxication. You were nine times the legal limit. That in itself would justify me sending you to prison. 

“The consequences could have been more serious in which case you would be before a high court.”

Haughey has been placed on a community payback order and will remain under supervision for 18 months. 

He will complete 200 hours of unpaid work in six months. His licence has been endorsed.