A Musselburgh motorist has been banned from driving after he was caught behind the wheel while over the drink-drive limit.

Robbie McLeod, of Inveresk Road, was found to be more than twice the limit.

Fiscal depute Matthew Millar told Edinburgh Sheriff Court that police received a phone call to attend an ongoing incident at the A199 Gladsmuir to Macmerry road at about 10.10pm on August 23, 2020.

Officers arrived and were given the description of a male driver involved in an alleged accident and carried out a search for the occupants of the vehicle.

McLeod and two others were located and, during questioning, both witnesses within the vehicle “identified McLeod as the driver”.

A roadside breath test was carried out which McLeod subsequently failed and he was taken to St Leonard’s Police Station in Edinburgh, where two further samples of breath were taken.

During last Tuesday’s hearing, the court heard that the lowest reading was 59mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 22mg. A check on the vehicle also showed the 28-year-old had no valid insurance cover.

Solicitor Nicola Haston said that her client had gone out with friends that evening with “no intention of driving” but had “stupidly got into the car” after consuming alcohol.

The lawyer added that McLeod “fully expects to be disqualified and to pay a financial penalty”.

Sheriff Alison Stirling told the agency employed labourer that he would be banned from driving for 17 months and would have to pay a fine of £610.

McLeod pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving with no insurance.