A DRUGGED-UP driver from Selkirk has had a jail sentence deferred so that he can attend the birth of his child.

Rory Barnes was facing prison for a series of motoring offences including dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.

The 35-year-old had taken diazepam before getting behind the wheel and losing control of the car which plunged down an embankment with his partner and her three-year-old child as passengers.

The vehicle mowed down a number of small trees before ending up in a field submerged in water.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told the child was taken to Borders General Hospital to be treated for small facial cuts.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said that Barnes “was almost incoherent” when police officers arrived at the scene and he was more interested in trying to retrieve something from the partly-submerged car than the welfare of the child.

Barnes pleaded guilty to a series of offences which happened on the A72 Galashiels to Clovenfords road on February 25.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Campbell said Barnes, who has never held a driving licence, should not have been driving the vehicle.

He explained Barnes had only taken over the wheel because his partner had a close brush with another vehicle when their wing mirrors collided earlier in the journey.

Mr Campbell said: “He never wants to get behind the wheel of a car again.” He pointed out his partner was due to give birth to their child in 10 days time.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said a custodial sentence was a very possible outcome but he was deferring sentence to check the law in relation to Barnes’ case and also to allow him to be at the birth.

He said: “I am not going to impose a sentence until after the birth. It is appropriate you are at the birth of your child.” Barnes of Ettrickhaugh Road, Selkirk, will be sentenced on March 16.