A GALASHIELS man who admitted a drink-driving offence has been banned from the road for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Fifty-two-year-old hospital porter Gary Flinn pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 35 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – in Island Street, Galashiels, on the night of Saturday, April 9.

Alasdair Fay, prosecuting, said police officers were on duty shortly before midnight when they saw a Vauxhall Zafira collide with a Landrover Discovery near to the Bridge Inn.

He explained police police breath-tested both drivers and while the Landrover Discovery driver was negative, Flinn tested positive.

Defence lawyer Liam Alexander said: "On the night in question he had gone out for a meal with his 80-year-old father.

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"During the course of this he decided to leave the car and consume three pints.

"However his father took unwell and needed to be taken home.

"The accused went to some length to get a taxi but the Melrose Sevens had been on earlier and he was being quoted a waiting time of 90 minutes.

"His dad needed to get home and he has taken the risk of driving."

In addition to the disqualification Flinn was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.

But he was certified suitable for the Drink Drivers rehabilitation Course which if completed at his own expense would result in a 25 per cent reduction in the length of the ban.