A KELTY man has been banned from the road for three years after being under the influence and driving erratically across Fife.

Garry Aitchison Lister (42), of Whitegates Terrace, was followed by members of the public as he sped-up and slowed-down, swerved from side to side, hit the kerb and drove in the middle of the road. Police later found his ability to drive was impaired through drink or drugs.

Appearing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, on Wednesday, Lister admitted that on 6th April 2015 on various roads between Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, and Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, he drove a motor vehicle dangerously by accelerating and slowing down for no good reason, swerving repeatedly, colliding with the kerb on repeated occasions and driving in the middle of the road.

He also admitted that, on the same date, on Halbeath Road and elsewhere in Fife, he was driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

Depute fiscal, Dana Forbes, told the Court, “Civilian witnesses travelling in Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, saw a motor car in front. The driver of the motor vehicle was erratic and was speeding up and slowing down, swerving, hitting the kerb on the passenger’s side, colliding with the kerb four to seven times, and also crossing the middle line of the road. The witnesses contacted the police, thinking that the driver was either drunk or ill.” The witnesses remained behind the car as it headed towards Crossgates and the dual carriageway into Dunfermline. The police attended and saw the vehicle travelling again towards Dunfermline, at which point they put on their lights and sirens and pulled it over.

“The accused appeared to have dilated pupils and as he walked to the police car he was unsteady on his feet,” continued Ms Forbes, “He was later examined by a police surgeon who had the view that his ability to drive was impaired.” Defence solicitor, Alison Laing, said that the matter had been a “wake-up call” as far as Lister’s lifestyle was concerned.

She explained how he was living with his father, after he split up with his wife as a consequence of the lifestyle, and said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.

Sheriff Christopher Shead said that Lister could have done himself and others “significant harm” and that the offences justified a custodial sentence.

“However, that need not be the only appropriate disposal in this case,” he added.

He sentenced Lister to a community payback order with a 12-month supervision requirement, as well as 150 hours of unpaid work to be carried out within nine months.

Lister was also disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for three years