A KILWINNING man caught drink driving for a second time must perform unpaid work.

Lee Walker, of Sundrum Place, admitted driving under the influence in Howgate on July 19.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how police on patrol in the area became aware of Walker’s vehicle driving from Lauchlan Way to Howgate.

Officers observed the car going through a red light and signalled for the vehicle to stop.

The 30-year-old was found to be the driver of the car and was asked to provide the officers with his details and driving licence.

After being asked to sit in the police vehicle, the officers detected a strong smell of alcohol from Walker.

He failed the roadside breath test and was taken to Kilmarnock Police Office where he tested 84 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the limit of 22 microgrammes.

Walker had previously pled guilty to the offence and returned to court last week for sentencing.

Gillian Swanney, defending, told the court how Walker works as a pipe fitter and has to travel extensively to carry out his work.

She said Walker would have to deal with the impact disqualification would have on his job.

Ms Swanney explained that Walker had been celebrating his birthday in the days prior to the incident.

She said he was drinking in a pub on Sunday with his partner but decided to drive home after they had an argument.

Ms Swanney said it was the accumulative effect of alcohol over that weekend that resulted in a high reading.

Sheriff Shirley Foran took a dim view of Walker’s actions due to the fact he had a previous conviction for drink driving.

Whilst addressing Ms Swanney, she said: “I am deeply concerned, two convictions for drink driving says something for me.

“It’s a very high reading. I could readily justify a period of imprisonment.

“I have to have regard to the protection of the public. He needs to pay the full price for his actions.” Turning to Walker, Sheriff Foran said: “I have much doubt that you can quarrel with what I have said there.” Walker was banned from driving for four years, handed 12 months supervision and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work.