A north-east motorist, who was caught nearly seven times over the drink-drive limit, has been banned from the road.
Valdas Zakauskas was spotted by police swerving across the carriageway and repeatedly beeping his horn in Peterhead on Hogmanay.
The 45-year-old, who is originally from Lithuania, was breathalysed by officers on the town’s Longate at around 7.30pm on December 31 last year.
Zakauskas admitted having 150 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – much higher than the 22mg Scottish limit.
Defence agent Nicola Reid said he been subject to a driving ban previously and he stayed off the road throughout its duration.
She said Zakauskas was unable to provide an explanation why he decided to get behind the wheel after drinking with a friend.
Ms Reid said: “Mr Zakauskas had been with a friend and he can’t explain why he chose to take his car.
“He acknowledges he does have issues with alcohol consumption and he is trying to seek assistance for this.”
Sheriff Christine McCrossan said his actions were worrying and added: “On this occasion you almost seven times over the limit.
“That is a matter of enormous public concern.”
Sheriff McCrossan banned Zakauskas from driving for five years, fined him £1,000 and ordered the forfeiture of his car.
Zakauskas, of Dingwall Drive, Peterhead, was also placed on a supervision order for a year.
