A MECHANIC decided to "check over" his friend's car by taking it for a spin after a drinking session.

John Gibson, 33, of Main Street, Sauchie, was already banned from driving when the police saw him behind the wheel of a damaged car with no lights on.

Gibson appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday, April 13, where he was given a last chance to avoid jail.

He admitted that on December 17, on Gartmorn Road, Sauchie and elsewhere, he drove a car when disqualified and without insurance.

He also failed to comply with a breath test and was found to be in possession of a lock knife.

Depute fiscal Rachel Wallace said police saw the vehicle being driven by Gibson with no lights on and with front-end damage.

The car was stopped and officers could smell alcohol from Gibson then checks showed he was banned from the road until July 2024.

Defence solicitor Michael Lowrie said his client was a mechanic and had been "checking a car over for a friend" after drinking in a pub.

The court was told Gibson has a previous analogous conviction as well as other road traffic offences in the past.

Sheriff Neil Bowie told Gibson he had come close to a jail sentence and warned him: "This is your last opportunity."

He imposed a community payback order with 300 hours of unpaid work and two years of supervision.

Gibson was also banned from driving for five years and until he passes the extended test.