A double daftie - wasting money in a bookie's shop, and driving home from there while pished
And at his age, presumably safe to assume he won't be badged again
Not sure if three near-identical photos of the driver and a photo of the actual bookies are entirely necessary, though
Drunk Greenock taxi driver drove home after betting shop visit
https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/new ... kies-shop/
Image: Greenock Telegraph
A DRUNK Greenock taxi driver staggered to his cab following a flutter in a bookie's shop — then gambled again by driving home.
Patrick Rush sparked a 999 call to police after being seen approaching the vehicle 'in a zig-zagging fashion' before getting behind the wheel.
The 65-year-old is today beginning a driving ban after pleading guilty to failing to provide breath samples for analysis.
Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Rush parked up his silver-coloured Seat Toledo on West Blackhall Street before going into the Coral bookmakers shop there at around 7.30pm.
Prosecutor Pamela Brady said: "He had a set of keys in his hand and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Image: Greenock Telegraph
"Mr Rush was slurring his speech and was seen to exit the shop and walk towards a vehicle in a zig-zag fashion.
"He entered the vehicle, which is a taxi, and drove off."
Fiscal depute Mrs Brady added: "Due to concerns about him possibly being under the influence, a 999 call was made to the police.
"A description of the vehicle, its registration plate and the accused's name were given.
"Officers made their way to the accused's home shortly after 8pm.
"They saw a car parked in the driveway. It's bonnet, engine grille and wheels were all warm to the touch, indicting that the vehicle had been very recently driven.
"The accused answered his front door and appeared to be under the influence."
Image: Greenock Telegraph
The court was told that Rush provided a preliminary sample of breath, which was positive for excess alcohol, but later failed without reasonable excuse to register readings for court on the intoximeter machine at Greenock police office.
Mrs Brady said: "Police attempted to obtain samples of his breath, however, they were unable to do this and a view was taken that the accused had not blown long enough into the machine.
"He was afforded a number of opportunities."
Rush, of Inverkip Road, committed the offence on June 24 last year.
He had also been charged with driving without due care attention, failing to maintain proper lookout and control of the car, driving erratically, mounting a kerb and narrowly avoiding colliding with a parked vehicle. His not guilty plea to this allegation was accepted by the Crown.
Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said the cabbie will be left to pay a heavy price for his ill-fated gamble to get behind the wheel.
He added: "This is the first occasion he has been in contravention of any legislation.
"It has been a huge mistake on his part which will have severe consequences.
"His position is that he has not driven since and his only income is from a relatively small pension."
Mr Gallagher added: "I've told him that a period of disqualification will be imposed.
"He is apologetic, for what it is worth."
Sheriff Pender banned Rush from the roads for 12 months and fined him £400.
Image: Greenock Telegraph
