Drunk driver racked up his fourth booze-related vehicle offence behind the wheel of a motability car

Charles Gray, 66, was swerving along a residential street in Port Glasgow before two witnesses forced him to halt as police were alerted.

He was later found to have 297 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood — putting him grossly in excess of the 50 milligrams legal limit.

Gray, of the Port's Auchenbothie Road, is now beginning a prison sentence.

Disabled Gray — who has to use crutches to get about — had told social workers preparing a background report on him that he had no wish to address his deep-rooted issues with alcohol.

He has two previous drink-driving convictions and one for being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Sheriff Thomas Ward has effectively banned him from the roads for life by adding five years to an existing 40-month disqualification period imposed only in February.

Gray was driving a blue Ford Focus on Methil Road during a journey from Kilmacolm when bystanders saw the car being moving erratically at around 4.30pm on November 12 last year.

Procurator fiscal Ziad Ul Hassan said: "The witnesses contacted police and subsequently prevented the accused from driving any further."

Defence lawyer Charles Drummond said: "If he continues to drink in the way he has done the future is not bright, and probably not terribly long either.

"It appears that this was his motability vehicle.

"He no longer drives and no longer has a car.

"He is 66 years of age and in failing health."

Sheriff Ward told Gray: "You have three previous convictions for drink-related offences involving vehicles.

"It seems clear that you are reluctant to do anything about your drinking habits."

The sheriff sentenced Gray to four months imprisonment.