A GALASHIELS motorist who drove on New Year's Day while almost five times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 16 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Jack Moore, 27, of Penman Place, was spotted by police driving a Ford Transit Van at around 2.40am in Channel Street and Market Street in Galashiels.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said: "He was almost falling out the driver's door when stopped. He found it difficult to stand unaided.

"The vehicle had been travelling with no lights which is why it was stopped."

Moore gave a breath/alcohol reading of 106 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22.

When cautioned and charged Moore told police they could not prove he was over the limit while driving the van, only in the police station.

But he pleaded guilty to the drink driving offence.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had lost his job as a courier as a result of the offence.

He added:"He just took a chance. He could not get a taxi because it was busy with New year's Day."

In addition to the 16 month ban, Moore was fined £400.