A MAN who was caught driving a motorbike after drinking alcohol was later found to be disqualified.

Michael Ferrie, 52, was travelling on Glenconner Way in Kirkintilloch when police spotted him at 4.25pm on September 11 last year.

The cops carried out checks which revealed that there was not a valid insurance policy or MOT test certificate in place.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, the prosecutor said: “The accused had parked and secured the vehicle and police officers exited their vehicle and identified themselves to the accused.

“Upon speaking with him, they became aware of a strong smell of alcohol and required him to provide a sample of breath. He complied and failed.

“Police carried out personal checks and discovered he was disqualified from driving. He was taken to Coatbridge police station where the usual procedures were carried out.”

Ferrie was found to be nearly two times over the alcohol limit.

He pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, with no insurance or MOT, and after consuming alcohol.

His lawyer said: “The explanation is within the social work report. His partner had bought him this motorbike.

“He intended working on it and selling it on to make a profit. He stays in Cumbernauld and the vehicle was kept in Kirkintilloch to keep it out of his way. The distance he had travelled on it was relatively short.

“A one-year supervision order was imposed on him in June last year. He is complying and engaging well. He has difficulty with a long-standing drug problem. Whilst addressing the heroin problem, he started to drink excessively.

“He lost his brother, but he says he can’t use that as an excuse anymore. He’s been drinking too long. He has a number of analogous convictions but 2015 was the last time he offended in a similar fashion.”

Sheriff Bernard Ablett said: “Given the nature of the offence and your previous convictions, imposing a custodial sentence is something that would be in mind for the court. However, I have noted that you have made progress with the other community payback order. In these circumstances, I intend to impose a further community-based disposal.”

Ferrie, of Cumbernauld, was placed under social work supervision for one year, disqualified from driving for 25 months, ordered to carry out 112 hours of unpaid work, and stay within his home from 7pm-7am for 40 days.

The sentence was imposed as a direct alternative to custody.