'Mr Drunk Driver' is given road ban

Published 4 Jul 2012 09:00

A MENSTRIE man caught drink driving just days before his wife committed the same offence appeared for sentencing in Alloa Sheriff Court.

Steven Natella (46) and his wife Angela (42), both of Forthvale, were caught driving while under the

influence of alcohol within two days of each other.

Mr Natella appeared in the town's court on Thursday 21 June, and pled guilty to driving the couple's BMW while over three times the legal limit.

The offence took place on 21 April when he was spotted driving up Sauchie Main Street, near to Holton Square.

The court heard that police officers received a call at around 2.30pm from a member of the public who suspected Natella might be under the influence.

On approaching him and engaging him in conversation the police "detected a strong smell of alcohol."

After being breathalysed he came back with a reading which showed the alcohol in his breath was 126 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath.

The prescribed limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres.

On being cautioned and charged at Stirling Police Station he replied, "The machine doesn't lie, there's no point in disputing the result."

Defending, Mr Brian Black, said his client experienced difficulties with alcohol over the past two years.

He said following his vehicle being impounded he had no plans to get

another car in the family.

Sheriff Kenneth McGowan sentenced him to a community payback of 180 hours over 12 months and 12 months supervision which will include alcohol counselling.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years.

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 04 Jul 12

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