Baker was waiting for lift to workto work

Gregory Curran (44) from Cline Road was disqualified for three years when he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his breath.

However, his solicitor claimed this was a bizarre case, as his client was waiting for a lift to work when detected.

The court heard how Curran was detected on 5 June when police on mobile patrol spotted a Ford Fiesta with the driver's door ajar. They spoke with Curran at his flat and he smelled of intoxicating liquor. He was arrested after a breath test proved positive. A further test revealed 75mgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Solicitor Mr Paul Downey said the defendant had been out the evening before and had consumed quite a considerable amount of alcohol.

"He got up at 4am to go to work as a baker and after driving to work, came back home for a t-shirt and realised he should not have been driving," said Mr. Downey.

"He left the car engine running and came back in to phone his son. He was waiting on a lift from his son when the police arrived. Police can confirm that during interview, his son appeared at the flat to take him to work."

Mr Downey added, "I ask for credit that when his brain did begin to clear, he asked his son to drive."

District Judge Mr Copeland referred to Curran's previous conviction in September 2004, before imposing the three year ban.