A SALTCOATS man has been banned from driving for three years after he refused to comply with a breath test earlier this year.

Graham Maxwell, who is 56 and lives in Garrett Avenue, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week where the court heard that the police had received a report about a possible drink driver and they took up position on Dalry Road in Saltcoats.

Maxwell was pulled over by the police and was taken to Saltcoats Police Office. The procedure got underway at 11.35pm where the accused refused to provide two samples of breath and he was then cautioned and charged.

Mr Freeman, defending, said that his client had parked his car and went on a coach to an away rugby game. Whilst at the game Maxwell was invited to a hospitality function where he drank two pints of lager.

He said: “Despite drinking earlier, he insisted that he felt fine but made the stupid decision to drive home anyway after he returned from the coach trip.” He said Maxwell had worked as a project manager for 20 years and started a new job in September, where he earns over £2,000 a month.

Mr Freeman added: “He is adamant that he does not have a problem with alcohol but admits it was a misjudgment to have driven despite drinking two pints earlier.” Sheriff Coutts disqualified Maxwell from driving for three years and fined him £500.