A MAN caught nearly four times the legal limit in Helensburgh got behind the wheel claiming to feel unwell.

Norbert Waniek defended himself when he pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week to driving while under the influence.

The 53-year-old admitted he had 81microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath on March 17 this year. The limit is 22mg.

Fiscal depute Megan Dow said around 12.30am, police were travelling east on East King Street.

They stopped the vehicle in Henry Bell Street due to concerns at the manner in which it was being driven.

Officers could detect the smell of alcohol, while Waniek had glazed eyes and was slurring his speech.

They performed a roadside breath test and the man claimed his last drink had been 15 minutes earlier. He was taken to Clydebank police office.

When cautioned and charged, he replied: "I would like to say the time between going out of the pub and being stopped by officers might have had an effect on the reading.

"I was stopped about 100 yards from where I stay."

Waniek, who has no previous convictions, represented himself and told the court he met friends at the pub in Helensburgh.

"My car was near my work, which is just around the corner from the pub," he said

"I drank some wine. I had a few glasses of wine and then started to have strong chest pain."

He said his symptoms also included dizziness and told the court some of friends asked if he was all right. He asked for water but didn't feel better.

Waniek, of Mount Pleasant Road, Rothesay, then called for a taxi, but after being told how long he would have to wait, he decided to sit in his car.

The dizziness subsided and he decided he would drive to his apartment.

"I was not supposed to drive, however I didn't want to wait for the taxi," he said.

"I started driving and then was stopped driving back to my partner's."

He added: "I have never been arrested. I was confused not by alcohol but by the overwhelming situation."

Waniek said he had two jobs and also was involved in a charity in Rothesay. He said he has been driving for 25 years.

Although he said he was later referred to hospital by his GP and was kept in for 24 hours, no details of medical conditions were noted by the Crown.

Sheriff David Hall fined Waniek £300, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

He disqualified Waniek from driving for 12 months, but he can reduce that by three months if he successfully completes a drink drive rehabilitation scheme.