AN ex-businessman who drove over a roundabout and crashed into a lamppost whilst drunk has been banned from the roads.

Brian McLean was drinking in the pub with his dad on August 13, 2023, but after they had an argument, he left in his Audi S3.

When driving along Initiative Road in Kirkintilloch, the 43-year-old sped towards a roundabout.

He drove over it at enough speed to go through a sign and thereafter hit a lamppost.

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Members of the public went to assist him before calling emergency services.

When police and paramedics arrived, checks were carried out. It was found that there was no insurance in place.

Cops noticed McLean to be smelling of alcohol and foaming at the side of his mouth. He was placed under arrest but tried to lash out at officers with his arms.

He then spat towards a female officer, narrowly missing her.

Cops placed him on the ground to be restrained and he was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary due to the car's airbags being deployed.

After being deemed fit to be released he was charged and taken to a police office where he was required to provide a specimen of breath.

McLean, from Kirkintilloch, agreed at first but then refused.

He was thereafter charged for failing to provide a specimen of breath to which he replied “f**k off”.

He was held in custody.

At his sentencing hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week, his lawyer said there were a number of things going on in his life at the time of the offence including her client just losing his business.

The solicitor added: “His mental health declined significantly. He was playing golf with his friends and received a phone call from his father inviting him to the pub. He did consume alcohol coupled with medication which left him in a state of intoxication.

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“He can’t recall much of the incident or remember getting into the vehicle but what he does remember is having an argument with his father which resulted in him leaving the pub.”

The lawyer added that the crime is out of character for McLean, who has no other road traffic offences and a “limited” record.

She added: “He is very lucky to be alive and very lucky no one else was hurt. He rarely drinks and hasn’t drunk alcohol since.

"He’s been trying really hard to get back on his feet. He did have employment with the Royal Mail but had to give that up due to no longer having a licence. He is a marine engineer by trade.”

The Crown put forward a motion for forfeiture of the car due to it having outstanding finance of around £18000.

It was revealed that the vehicle was written off and McLean has not made any payments since.

Sheriff Simone Sweeney refused the forfeiture motion.

She told McLean: “Your conduct was disgraceful however I’m satisfied there is an alternative to custody.”

He was disqualified from driving for 16 months, fined £470 and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.