AN EX-SOLDIER has narrowly avoided jail after he was caught driving dangerously at nearly four times the legal drink-drive limit.
Matthew Baird was said to have been driving at around 70mph along Fairfield Road in Sauchie, while heavily under the influence.
He lost control of the car, mounted the pavement in front of pedestrians, before veering back onto the road and striking an oncoming van and parked car.
His vehicle had to be written off by insurers after being “extensively damaged” during the collisions.
Baird, 28, appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday charged with drink-driving and dangerous driving.
The court heard his lawyer’s plea in mitigation, which argued he was likely suffering from the effects of his previous army service at the time of the offence.
Depute fiscal Ruaridh Ferguson said: “The offence took place at around 10.50pm on August 6 this year. The accused was observed by members of the public driving at extremely high speed on Fairfield Road in Sauchie.
“At the time, witnesses estimate the speed to be around 70mph, in what was a 30mph zone.
“Another road user on the other side of the road from the accused, who was driving a transporter van, also estimated the speed to be around 70mph.”
The prosecutor added: “Witnesses observed the vehicle to swerve and mount the pavement in front of pedestrians. After that the vehicle swerved back onto the road and onto the opposing carriageway and then strike the transporter van before spiralling out of control and thereafter striking a parked car.
“Police were called and arrived quickly and on initially dealing with the accused the officers formed the impression he was under the influence of alcohol.”
Baird, of Newbiggin Crescent, Tullibody, admitted to driving the car and failed a roadside breath test.
He was then taken to Stirling Police Office where he gave a reading of 83mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – almost four times the 22mcg limit.
Mr Ferguson added: “All three vehicles were damaged. The accused’s vehicle was so extensive damaged that it was written off. The others were said to be significantly damaged and were likely to be written off by insurers, though there is no confirmation of this.”
Defence agent Jim Savage stated: “The offence occurred during a crisis in his life. He served in Afghanistan and now, with the passage of years, the effects of that are now starting to manifest significantly.”
The solicitor said that Baird had been suffering from flashbacks and after speaking with his GP he has been referred to the trauma clinic.
In sentencing, Sheriff David Mackie told him that if he had injured anyone as a result of his actions, he would most likely have been given a custodial term.
He told Baird: “This is a very serious matter; I recognise you gave service to your country in Afghanistan – that’s not lost on me.
“We expect a great deal from our young soldiers and you carry the scars inside you at home years after.
“But that’s no excuse; you took drink and behaved in an extremely reckless manner. You were a risk to the public.
“However, I feel a custodial sentence would not be in the public interest and would not address the underlying issues which brought you to court.
“And if this is the catalyst for you to seek help, then this will have a positive outcome.
“I cannot speak for either the van driver or the pedestrians, but had they been injured the outcome for you would have been very difficult.”
Baird was banned from driving for five years and ordered him to undergo supervision for the next three years.
He will also have to sit an extended driving test in order to obtain a license in the future.