A SOZZLED Faifley dad landed himself in the dock after being found behind the wheel while nearly four times the legal limit.

James McCarron was spotted by eagle-eyed members of the public on January 24, this year, who were concerned about his condition.

The 41-year-old drove off but was tailed by the witnesses before pulling up outside a police station.

Officers were then alerted to his presence and he was subsequently found to have consumed so much alcohol that he had 137 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath despite the legal limit being just 35 micrograms.

Last week he appeared in Dumbarton Sheriff Court after previously admitting to the offence Scott Simpson, fiscal depute, said that at around 1.50pm two members of the public saw the accused in his vehicle and were worried by his behaviour, including the way he was sitting in the car and the fact he didn't move on when the traffic lights changed.

The pair then investigated to see if the driver was ok while one of them chapped the window and opened the door.

They could both then smell alcohol coming from McCarron and decided to contact police but as they did so the accused drove off.

The witnesses then returned to their car and followed him over quite a short journey until he stopped outside Milgavie Police Station.

The witnesses also stopped and made officers aware that McCarron's vehicle was the one they had reported.

Cops then intervened and found the accused in the driver side of the vehicle with his seat belt on.

A road side breath test was then carried out as well as a further examination at the police office which revealed he was nearly four times the legal limit.

He then told officers: "I was parked all day, I just went for a sleep." Judith Reid defending said that her client, who is a first offender, had been drinking that day following a large argument with his wife.

She said that being banned from driving would have a "devastating impact" on McCarron as it may mean that he would lose his job which helped to support his wife and three children.

She also said that he was not someone who had taken his situation lightly and added: "This appears to be entirely out of character and a one off offence as far as Mr McCarron is concerned." Sentencing Sheriff Simon Pender said he had the accused had given police an "extremely high reading" and fined McCarron, of Watchmeal Crescent, Clydebank, �750 and disqualified him from driving for 30 months.

PICTURE CAPTION Waiting on pic to be sent WILKINSON in Clydebank played host to a fundraising event organised to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan Cancer Support are a team of experts committed to helping those diagnosed with cancer, which four in ten people will face.

Wilkinson pulled out all the stops by sporting green wigs and t-shirts and successfully raised �140 for the charity.

This generous sum was raised through a variety of activities including raffles and collections.

Wilkinson are dedicated to supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and encouraged shoppers to donate money in order to raise as much funds as possible to help those in the local area who are affected by cancer.

Various Wilkinson stores throughout Scotland are committing themselves to the cause in hopes of raising funds for their local communities.

Carol Marsden, store manager at Clydebank said: "The in store charity fundraiser was a great success, with team members entertaining customers in their green themed attire and getting involved with all the activities. We're delighted to be supporting Macmillan Cancer Support this year. As the number of people with cancer is growing every day, our aim is to raise as much money as we can to help support the work the charity does to improve the lives of everyone affected." For more information on Macmillan Cancer Support visit: http://www.macmillan.org.uk Or call: 0808 808 0000.

SHORTS LADIES of Clydebank, if you enjoy singing then come along to the Clydebank Ladies Choir for a chance to pursue a new hobby and socialise with others from your area.

The choir rehearsals will be held on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm at Our Lady of Loretto School in Dalmuir for a couple of hours.

Whether you are an experienced singer or a beginner the choir welcomes all levels to join with no formal auditions required.

Clydebank Ladies Choir have been involved in local concerts and perform a varied programme each time.

The sessions for this year will begin on Monday, August 20.

IF you are keen to enrich your lifestlye by developing some life skills then the lifestyle courses at Clydebank college may be the ideal thing for you.

Cooking classes are one of the many courses on offer to develop your skills in the kitchen and become your very own masterchef.

Participate in advanced baking classes or authentic Indian, or alternatively something completely different.

Health and home, creative arts, hairdressing and even welding courses are available to take part in.

A SOZZLED Faifley dad landed himself in the dock after being found behind the wheel while nearly four times the legal limit.

James McCarron was spotted by eagle-eyed members of the public on January 24, this year, who were concerned about his driving.

The 41-year-old was tailed by the witnesses before pulling up outside a police station.

Police were then alerted and he was subsequently found to have consumed so much alcohol that he had 137 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being just 35 micrograms.

Last week he appeared in Dumbarton Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to the offence Scott Simpson, fiscal depute, said that at around 1.50pm two members of the public saw the accused in his vehicle and were worried by his behaviour, including the way he was sitting in the car and the fact he didn't move on when the traffic lights changed.

The pair then investigated to see if the driver was ok while one of them chapped the window and opened the door.

They could both then smell alcohol coming from McCarron and decided to contact police but as they did so the accused drove off.

The witnesses then returned to their car and followed him over quite a short journey until he stopped outside Milgavie police station.

The witnesses made officers aware that McCarron's vehicle was the one they had reported.

Cops then intervened and found the accused in the driver side of the vehicle with his seat belt on.

A road side breath test was then carried out as well as a further examination at the police office which revealed he was nearly four times the legal limit. He then told officers: "I was parked all day, I just went for a sleep." Judith Reid defending said that her client, who is a first offender, had been drinking that day following a large argument with his wife.

She said that being banned from driving would have a "devastating impact" on McCarron as it may mean that he would lose his job which helped to support his wife and three children.

She also said that he was not someone who had taken his situation lightly.

She added: "This appears to be entirely out of character and a one off offence as far as Mr McCarron is concerned." Sentencing Sheriff Simon Pender said he had the accused had given police an "extremely high reading".

He fined McCarron, of Watchmeal Crescent, Clydebank, �750 and disqualified him from driving for 30 months.

CLYDEBANK was lucky enough to have a special visitor last week when inspirational soldier Phil Packer visited the area to take part in the 2012 British Challenge.

Phil Packer served his time as a soldier in the Royal Military Police, but suffered a horrific spinal chord injury in 2008 while serving in Basra.

Phil was unable to stand or walk for a year, however his determination and encouragement forced him on the road to recovery.

In 2009 he walked the London marathon over 14 days in order to raise money for the charity 'Help for Heroes' and in 2010 turned his focus to supporting young people who face both physical and mental adversity.

He then started his own youth charity called the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), with the intention of building a centre in West Sussex.

Phil has now turned his attention to raising money for his new charity and has challenged himself to walk 2012 miles around the UK throughout the year, visiting every county across Britain and Ireland in the process.

Phil visited the Sea Cadets in Clydebank and delivered a presentation telling of his work and his journey with hopes of inspiring the youth.

Phil, along with the members of the cadets then proceeded to walk a three mile trek around Clydebank to the canal, over the bridge and through the local area.

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