A DISQUALIFIED driver who binged on booze and illegal drugs before getting behind the wheel and smashing into a central reservation “has turned his life around”, a court has heard.

Matthew Murie was driving on the A813 on Carrochan Road in Alexandria when lost control of the car and crashed on February 9 last year.

Fiscal depute Euan Nicholson told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that at around 6pm that day cops attended at the scene of the incident following reports a single road traffic collision.

Whilst there, officers saw the car had crashed into the central reservation and sign post and the vehicle was lying across the carriageway.

When cops spoke to the 44-year-old they noticed he was slurring his words, seemed to be falling asleep, was unable to follow instructions, and was unsteady on his feet, swaying side to side.

Defence solicitor Brian McGuire told the court on October 18 that Murie had suffered a tragic personal loss the year prior to the accident, which caused “a downward spiral”.

He said: “It is obviously a serious matter. He looked like he had given up at that time.

“Fortunately he realised where his life was headed and decided to do something about that.

“He took it about himself to contact an agency that deals with addiction issues.

“He is clearly doing well and doing all of this work. He did this all himself.

“The long term intention is to be there for at least another year or even longer taking part in various projects and acts as a mentor or peer mentor.

“He has come from a difficult place and things are moving in the right direction.”

Sheriff Neil Kinnear said: “It is very wise. He has structure in place. Perhaps slightly unusual given the situation but that is the advice in the [social work report].

Addressing Murie, formerly of Merkins Avenue, Bellsmyre, the sheriff added: “You have a number of previous convictions including road traffic matters so you have history.

“Obviously these are serious charges and you recognise that.

“Having said that I have been provided with a letter which I say is glowing terms.

“I understand the difficult factor you have had in the past and you appear to take extensive efforts of your own back to turn things around for yourself.

“You have made considerable effort to resolve these difficulties by volunteering, taking part in projects and help others.”

Murie, now of Jean Armour Drive, Clydebank, was disqualified for 16 months and ordered to pay a £320 fine which he was granted to pay back at £60 per month.