A FARM worker who admitted driving while more than three times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 18 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Fifty-two-year-old Garry McDonald, of Stobo Home Farm, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on the B712 road near Peebles on the night of October 30.

Procurator fiscal Alasdair Fay said witnesses came across a pick up truck which had been involved in an accident and the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital.

McDonald was found to have a blood/alcohol reading of 184 millilitres – the legal limit being 50.

His lawyer told the court it was "an act of folly."

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He added: "He had left his car at the swimming pool in Peebles and had gone to a friend's house for drinks. He fully intended to get alternative transport home but ended up walking quite a distance and got into his car. It was an act of folly."

McDonald also pleaded guilty to not having an up to date MOT for the vehicle.

He was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £750.

McDonald was certified as suitable for the Drink Drivers Rehabilitation Course which if completed at his own expense would reduce the length of the ban by 25 per cent.