A ROSNEATH firefighter has been banned from the roads for being almost three times the legal drink limit.

Paul Hutchins, of Howie Crescent, Rosneath, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court to having 60mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath on Sunday, August 13.

The limit is 22mg.

The court was told that around 7.55am, police were on the A814 at Shandon when they saw a vehicle travelling towards them and signalled for it to stop.

They immediately became aware of the smell of alcohol, fiscal depute Kevin Doherty told the September 6 hearing.

When Hutchins, 35, was asked when he last consumed alcohol, he said he had not drunk that day. He supplied a sample of breath but failed the test.

Hutchins' defence solicitor said his client had been of good character since 2002 and had been a firefighter for 14 years.

He said: "He doesn't drink unless on annual leave. He had been on annual leave and family had been visiting, and had a fair amount of alcohol.

"I think it's the gin that's done the damage, and home measures. It's not an excuse. It was a genuine error.

"He felt fine and it didn't occur to him [the alcohol] would still be in his system.

"He tells me he will be subject to disciplinary procedures. There is no doubt his employment will be compromised - he will not be able to carry out emergency response duties."

Hutchins' Facebook profile lists him as crew manager with the Defence Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) at Coulport.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: "It's always sad to see someone in this situation. You could not have been in proper control of your car."

Hutchins was disqualified from driving for 16 months, which he can reduce by four months if he takes a drunk driver rehabilitation course. He was also fined £400.