A MOTORIST who admitted drinking and driving in Hawick while almost three times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 12 months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Residents in Rosebank Road heard Warren Maxwell's car strike a vehicle which in turn shunted into two other cars causing damage.

The 29-year-old father of three from Briery Square, Canonbie, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 60 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – on May 16.

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Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client felt at a low ebb at the time and had consumed four pints of lager three or four hours earlier.

He continued:"He felt okay to drive but it was a terrible decision. He realises he is going to be banned."

Sheriff Peter Paterson said he would have imposed a disqualification period of 18 months but reduced it to 12 months due to the early guilty plea.

He also fined Maxwell £350 which was reduced from £500 and imposed a £20 Victim Surcharge.