A MAN who crashed his car while more than four times the legal limit was handed a fine at Alloa Sheriff Court.

Henry Crawford, 64, appeared for sentencing on Thursday, November 29, having pleaded guilty to one charge of driving under the influence at an intermediate diet.

Crawford crashed into another car on the Dollar to Saline road before telling police "I'm a drink-driver, lads".

The accused, now banned from the road, told the court he had been drinking to cope with his personal situation.

He added, however, that he has abstained from alcohol since the incident.

Last Thursday, the fiscal-depute said the offence took place at around 12noon on November 1 of this year.

The prosecutor added: "The accused crashed into another vehicle, causing them both [drivers] to speak to each other and it was noted there was alcohol on his breath.

"As police approached he said: 'I'm a drink driver, lads'."

A breath test revealed Crawford had 94 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – well beyond the prescribed legal limit of 22 microgrammes.

Crawford's lawyer told the court their client had been under pressure due to circumstances in his family life.

The defence said: "His wife has Alzheimer's and was diagnosed several years ago, and he is the main carer."

During a stressful period, it was claimed Crawford was "drinking as a means of coping".

His solicitor continued: "He had gone to the pub and took the decision to drive home while over the limit.

"There was a minor collision and he does have a photograph of the damage – neither car was significantly damaged.

"Since the incident he has abstained from alcohol and sought medical assistance from the NHS."

The defence urged Sheriff David Mackie to take account of the stress Crawford was under at the time, and the steps he has since taken to address his issues with alcohol.

Sheriff Mackie then handed the accused, of Station Road, Dollar, a £650 fine, reduced from £1,000 on account of the early guilty plea.

Crawford was also disqualified from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced to nine months upon the successful completion of a drink drivers' rehabilitation course.