A KNIGHTSWOOD pensioner who was caught drink driving claimed he got behind the wheel because there were no buses.

Alan McDonald, 72, was snared by police at his home in Glasgow’s Knightswood on January 27 this year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard McDonald met his friend at Jarvies Inn in Yoker - half a mile away - for three pints.

The bar’s manager clocked McDonald getting into his car and dialled 999.

Police traced McDonald to his home where he supplied a preliminary breath sample which indicated he was still over the limit.

Further samples gave a reading of 32 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath - above the legal limit in Scotland of 22 microgrammes.

Kristopher Buchanan, defending, told the court: “He is a regular in the pub and has two or three pints with a friend then gets the bus home.

“On this day there was a road closure and there were no buses.

“He foolishly decided to take the car and park outside, have three pints and drive off.

“He has never been in court before and has a clean licence.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay disqualified McDonald for 12 months as well as issuing a £200 fine.