AN ARMY veteran who uses alcohol as a 'coping mechanism' for post traumatic stress disorder has been given a driving ban after being caught behind the wheel while under the influence.

Thomas Main, who served in Afghanistan, was over the booze limit when police pulled over his white Ford Transit van on Ann Street in Greenock on April 14.

Main, 48, pleaded guilty to having 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath; the legal limit in Scotland is 22mcg/100ml.

A sheriff court sentencing hearing was told that Main has previous analogous convictions, however, a procurator fiscal depute was unable to provide information on an offence from 2006 as the Crown did not hold further details from that far back.

Defence solicitor Gerry Keenan told the court: "He had been employed at this time as a heating engineer but as a direct consequence of this he has been rendered unemployed.

"He was working at the locus and was waiting for materials to be delivered and he consumed alcohol.

"It would appear that drinking is a coping mechanism for him."

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Mr Keenan said Main has 'struggled with mental health' issues and had 'symptoms of PTSD'.

He added: "The reading in this case is not that high.

"He does have a significant record for something like this but it was some time ago."

Sheriff James Varney said: "Mr Keenan is correct to point out that the record is quite a significant one in terms of analogous offending."

Main, of Russell Drive in Ayr, was sentenced to 18 months of supervision with an alcohol rehabilitation requirement, while he must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work in 12 months.

He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 20 months.