AN IRVINE business owner has been banned from driving for a year after being caught five times the alcohol limit.

Graham Crawley, director of Dreghorn-based Auld Lang Signs, admitted driving his van while under the influence on October 8 this year and was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week.

Crawley, whose company specialises in vehicle livery and graphics, decided to drive back to his work in Corsehill Mount Road to start a nightshift after he had had a drink.

At around 9.30pm on the night, police were requested to attend a report of the 56-year-old having been involved in an accident.

When officers arrived Crawley was not at the scene, however, he was located nearby.

Upon speaking to him officers detected a strong smell of alcohol, and he told police: "I am guilty, it was me that was driving."

After he was taken to Saltcoats police office a breath test returned a reading of 104mcg of alcohol/100ml of breath; the legal limit is 22mcg/100ml.

Crawley was cautioned and charged and replied: "Guilty."

Sheriff George Jamieson fined the Glasgow Vennel resident £640, payable at a rate of £100 per month.

He was also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months - but that ban will be reduced to nine months if he successfully completes a drink driving rehabilitation course.