A BUILDER was caught drink driving while on his way to catch an Old Firm game.
William Jack, 66, made the 20-mile journey from Port Glasgow, Inverclyde to Glasgow on April 8, 2023.
Members of the public reported to the police that Jack was driving erratically in his work's Nissan van.
Jack was told to stop on the M8 near the city's Cardonald but it was noted that he took time to react.
Officers noted that there was a smell of liquor coming from the vehicle and Jack was required to do a roadside test.
The reading came back that the self-employed builder was over the limit.
He was taken into custody where he was required to provide two further breath specimens.
Jack was informed of how to give a reading by the officer.
Jack took four attempts to complete the first specimen before failing to provide a second.
Prosecutor Danielle Docherty told Glasgow Sheriff Court: "When asked for his reasons why he failed to provide [a second specimen], Jack made his dissatisfaction known."
Jack, of Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
He also admitted failing to provide two specimens of breath.
It was revealed that he was disqualified for 12 months in April 2021 for drink driving.
Sheriff Mark McGuire stated that Jack's reason for getting behind the wheel was "worrying to the extreme".
He added: "Mr Jack recalls leaving a friend's home the following morning while feeling under the influence after having a few hours' sleep.
"He decided to drive his van between Port Glasgow and an Old Firm game in Glasgow when he was pulled over by the police."
Brian Fitzpatrick, defending, told the court that Jack has had problems with drinking since he was a teenager.
Jack was ordered to do 160 hours of unpaid work and put under supervision for 12 months.
He was also tagged for 66 days keeping him indoors between 8pm and 6am.
Jack was disqualified from driving for 40 months.
The sheriff stated: "Putting it mildly, this was an appalling and outrageous piece of criminality.
"You were convicted and two years later you wake up the next morning while under the influence and decide to get in the van.
"This was 20 miles on the single busiest motorway in the country.
"Don't underestimate how fortunate you are to avoid custody today."
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