A PRESTWICK man has been disqualified from driving for 36 months after driving whilst under the influence.

Jason Hood, of Pleasantfield Road, Prestwick, was stopped by the police has he drove from Ayr Road to Waterloo Road, after a member of the public believed that he was under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

The 44-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari McTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Stephen McLean, said: "At 4pm, the accused was within a store with another male and the manager watched and observed them.

"Observations were maintained and the manager believed it looked like the accused was under the influence of either drugs or drink.

"The accused walked outside towards his car so the manager then phoned the police and the police then followed the Vauxhall vehicle.

"They found the accused and he was under the influence with slurred speech."

Mr McLean, added: "The accused was taken to the police station.

"Blood samples were take but the blood analysis is not yet received.

"The accused was on methadone at the time and had taken diazapam that morning."

Speaking on his clients behalf, defence solicitor Stephen Maxwell, said: "My client shouldn't have driven and he accepts that.

"He gave his licence to me and has not driven since and he has no intention to.

"He has came off the road voluntarily."

Sheriff McTaggart concluded: "You will now be disqualified from driving with a 36 months and you will pay a financial penalty."

Hood was ordered to pay a fine of £540, starting at £50 per month.