A Galashiels motorist who admitted a drink driving offence has been banned from the road for a year at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Craig Faris pleaded guilty to driving in Melrose Road with a breath/alcohol count of 39 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22 - on April 4.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the offence happened at 8.30pm when the 41-year-old's vehicle collided with a barricade.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client had been through a difficult time and had been drinking during the day.

However, he needed to go into Galashiels to buy an electricity card and thought he would be fit to drive but miscalculated.

Faris of Winston Place, was fined £300 and had his name put forward as suitable for the Drink Drivers Rehabilitation Course, which if completed successfully at his own expense would reduce the length of the ban by 25 per cent.