Jail threat for man six times over the drink drive limit

Gary Murray (31) had been drinking all day at a friend’s mum’s funeral before attempting to drive his Vauxhall Vectra home.

But his journey ended when he veered onto pavements in Newarthill and crashed into a BMW.

When police officers arrived, they could smell alcohol and Murray burst into tears before being arrested.

Depute fiscal Peter Doyle told Hamilton Sheriff Court: “The driver of the BMW was in his vehicle with two other people, he stopped to check both ways and saw the road was clear.

“As he began to pull out he saw a silver Vectra was travelling on the pavement and driving towards the BMW at speed.

“The BMW driver attempted to get out of the way, but was unsuccessful and the front of the Vectra collided with the rear near side of the BMW causing it to spin.

“It was observed the accused smelled strongly of alcohol and police officers arrived shortly afterwards - at this time the accused began to cry and stated ‘I know I ****** up’.

“He was taken to Motherwell police office and during the journey stated ‘it was my mate’s maw’s funeral today, I have been drinking all day. I totally ****** it, I’m melted and I was just driving home that is all I wanted to do.’”

Murray admitted drink driving after giving a 126mg reading on the breathalyser in April 2016, the legal limit is 22mg per 100mg of breath.

He also admitted a charge of dangerous driving and was warned he could face time behind bars as Sheriff Douglas Brown deferred sentence until next month for reports.

He told Murray: “Given the high reading and the standard of driving here, this could result in a period of imprisonment.”