A CHEF who drove while almost three times the legal alcohol has been banned from the road for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Forbes McGillivray, 25, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in Main Street, Melrose, at around 11pm on Sunday, June 23.

The court heard that witnesses heard his silver BMW collide with a Red Kia vehicle which then shunted into a Volkwagen Golf which in turn hit a wall.

Depute fiscal Erin Illand said:"The police were called and officers could smell alcohol, he was slurring his speech and was unsteady on his feet.

"He was taken to Hawick Police Station where he was cautioned and charged and made no reply."

Forbes of Crown Crescent, Earlston, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 64 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22.

Defence lawyer Colin Severin said:"He has no previous convictions and is deeply regretful the situation came to this.

"He had gone to a public house for glass of Shandy and a game of pool but ended up having four shandies.

"He should have taken a taxi back to his home in Earlston."

Sheriff Peter Paterson said he would have imposed an 18 month ban but discounted it to 12 months due to the guilty plera.

Forbes was also  fined £300.