A DRIVER crashed into the central reservation at Tesco on Ayr’s Whitletts Road.

Ryan Monaghan admitted driving the vehicle on May 20 while he was unfit to do so through drink or drugs.

The 28-year-old appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how the incident took place shortly before 10pm near the Tesco on Whitletts Road.

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte explained: “The witness observed a van and the way it was driving was causing some concern. The witness pulled over and phoned 999. The van was on the inside lane at an angle close to Tesco. It was partly on the pavement.

“Police were contacted again. Monaghan drove into Tesco and collided with the central reservation. Officers found him in the drivers seat.

“The breath test was negative but officers noticed that Monaghan’s speech was slurred and he appeared drowsy.

“Police suspected this was due to drugs which would mean that his driving would be impaired.They searched him and tablets were found. He was taken to Ayr Police Office to be examined.

“The next afternoon Monaghan was seen again by the police surgeon as there had been concerns he had had a seizure as a result of the drugs consumed.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Fiona Gallagher, said: “Mr Monaghan has shown real remorse and has a supportive family. He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"He is willing to do unpaid work and would comply with a restriction of liberty order. An interim disqualification has already been put in place.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Cunninghame, said: “It is by the narrowest of margins that you avoid a custodial sentence.”

Monaghan, of Barrhead, was banned from driving for 18 months and will complete 140 hours unpaid work.