A BREWERY boss who admitted a drinking and driving offence has been banned from the road for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Gavin Meiklejohn of Montgomery Terrace, Gattonside, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in Tweedbank Drive and on the A6091 Melrose by-pass on December 22.

The 42-year-old had a breath/alcohol count of 30 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said at 1.11am police officers saw the accused driving a grey Volkswagen van and their suspicions were aroused when it reversed into a junction.

He explained: "The police pulled over the vehicle and there was a smell of alcohol coming from him.

"He was very apologetic and told the officers 'I was stupid'.

Defence lawyer Severin said: "He had been in Edinburgh having dinner with friends. "He had three or four pints and one further one but after 10pm he was drinking water.

"He tried to get a taxi on his return, but couldn't and went into the industrial estate to get a van from his work. He thought he would have been okay but he miscalculated. He should have walked despite the dark conditions."

Sheriff Peter Grant-Hutchison certified Meiklejohn as suitable for the Drink Drivers Rehabilitation Course which if completed successfully at his own expense will reduce the year long ban by a quarter.

In addition to the disqualification period, he was fined £400.