A drink driver has been banned from going behind the wheel for life and fined almost �1000. John Gardiner, 81, drove while drunk three times in six months and was more than three-and-a-half times over the legal limit on the last occasion.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he was caught twice when members of the public spotted him staggering to his car.
On the third occasion, police recognised him as he drove near his home in Edinburgh.
Gardiner was first arrested on 22 April last year at the city's Bughtlin Market.
He was caught a second time in September on Maybury Drive when he was more than twice the legal drink limit and finally again in October.
'Deeply concerned'
Defence agent Jim Stephenson told the court that Gardiner began drinking after he retired when his wife left him and now suffered ill health.
"He is deeply concerned about this court appearance and very ashamed," Mr Stephenson said.
Sheriff James Scott disqualified Gardiner, who admitted the charges, from driving for life and imposed a �950 fine.
"Your age, health and lack of previous drink driving saved you from being sent to prison for a substantial period," he said.
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