A drink driver trying to move his car to get a better view at an Argyll beauty spot drove over a wall and the vehicle ended up on its roof, a court heard.
Alastair Ness, 55, from Newton Mearns near Glasgow, pleaded guilty to to being twice the legal limit when he appeared at Oban Sheriff Court yesterday.
Onlookers saw the crash taking place on February 3 at Ganavan beach in Oban. Fiscal Eoin McGinty said: “Witnesses parked at the car park noticed a reasonably large car parked at the far side of the car park. It was facing the sand dunes and the hills. They were facing the opposite direction but one was watching in the rear view mirror as the car began to manoeuvre out of the car parking space.
“It suddenly disappeared from view and it transpired the car had gone over a wall. The car was lying on its roof on the beach. Police were called, as was an ambulance.
“It became obvious to police that the accused had been drinking. He failed the roadside breath test at 9.40pm.”
Solicitor Jim Eodanable said: “He realises the stupidity of this action. He came back to the car with some chips. He decided to move to the viewing position.
“He had worked as an engineer for 30 years before this incident. He had been laid off by his employer, he was told the work wasn’t there but he found out another employee had taken on his role.
“He had been trying to find a job, out of five he had applied for in the feedback he was told he had come second place.
“On the day in question he had been told that his job seekers allowance would be stopped as he wasn’t trying hard enough to find a job. He didn’t think there was anything else he could do.”
Sheriff Patrick Hughes said: “This is a very serious offence which could have had a much worse outcome. The period of disqualification will be restricted to 12 months, if you complete the drink driver rehabilitation course that will be reduced by 25 per cent. The fine will be £400.”
