A MAN has been banned from driving for almost two years after being found more than four times the limit.  Edward Bruce, 49, of Ardrossan’s Dalry Road, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week where the court heard how at 7.30pm on August 23, Bruce was within his home with his partner, which was in Johnstone, when an altercation apparently took place.  The court heard that following this he drove away and, knowing he had consumed alcohol, his partner apparently contacted the police and a lookout request was lodged.  At 8.40pm Bruce was traced to Dalry Road in Ardrossan and his car was outside a house, which belongs to his parents.  The court heard that the bonnet was still warm and Bruce was within the house. Officers noted that he was clearly under the influence of alcohol and he confirmed that he was the driver of the car before he took a roadside breath test, which he failed and he was taken to Saltcoats Police Office where a further two tests were carried out with the lowest of these giving a reading of 103mg.  Douglas Wright, defending, said that his client had lived in Johnstone and had gone out for drink. He said that there was a ‘blazing argument’ and that his client was obviously not thinking straight.  He said that the relationship with the woman in question is now over and his client, who worked for Rolls Royce for 29 years, now works in a small factory.  He said: “He has been driving for over 30 years.

"He gave his cooperation at the time and made full admissions and has entered an early plea today.” Sheriff Livingston said: “You were more than four and half times the limit.

"I initially thought of getting reports but I can deal with this today.” Bruce was disqualified for 22 months and was fined £550.

Mr Wright asked if his client could be permitted to attend a drink driving rehabilitation scheme to which Sheriff Livingston replied ‘no’ before adding: “This was not simply a mistake, it was a decision to drive.”