Drink driver danced on car roof

Jul 22 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A MAN who was nearly four times the legal limit was caught driving his motor then dancing on its roof.

Neighbours of Allan Tait called the police after seeing the 47-year-old driving a Vauxhall Vectra in Haig Crescent, Bathgate, at around 6.40pm on July 23 last year.

“Witnesses said he was obviously under the influence of alcohol as he then began to climb on to the roof of the vehicle before going on to act rather bizarrely in the middle of the road,” senior depute fiscal John Barclay said.

“The police came and said he was in an agitated state.”

Tait gave a sample of 139 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath — just short of being four times the legal limit of 35mg in 100mls.

Last week at the court, the 47-year-old, whose address was given as Haig Crescent, Bathgate, pled guilty to drink driving.

His solicitor, Ian Smith, told the court his client’s position was that he had only moved the car a few feet to let a car that was blocked in to get out.

“He then get up on the roof of the car and started dancing to loud music that was coming from the car,” Mr Smith said.

“Dancing on the roof is not illegal but it is a bit foolish.

“However moving a car a few feet in a public space constitutes driving and he has pled guilty to that.

“He had been at a friend’s funeral. The occasion had been a sombre one but became more of a celebration of his life.

“He was playing loud music from his car and acting in this bizarre manner.”

Placing Tait on probation and banning him from the roads, Sheriff Donald Muirhead said: “I am obviously concerned that you were hugely over the limit — you must have been nearly dead the amount of alcohol you took.

“Although you may have only driven the car a short distance there is no knowing what you would have done with it in that state.

“But, in all the circumstances, I am just persuaded that a three-year disqualification will be sufficient plus a probation order for one year on the condition you undertake alcohol counselling.”

Sheriff Muirhead also ordered Tait to carry out 150 hours of community service.