A MAN who was caught by a witness driving into a wall whilst over the limit, has been banned for 12 months.

Hayder Mawold admitted he was driving home after drinking whiskey with a friend when he was spotted by a witness driving on the opposite side of the road before crashing into a wall.

A witness followed Mawold, 38, to his home in Tolladine Road near the Texaco garage and called the police, a court heard.

When the police officer arrived he saw Mawold in the driver’s seat with the ignition on, trying to get his Toyota Yaris into gear.

Mawold suffered facial injuries because of the crash and was taken to hospital.

Whilst in hospital, he admitted to police: “First time in hospital and first time I drove drunk.”

He first told police he had drank about 3 shots of whiskey but also said he thought it was about a quarter of a bottle, four to five hours before driving home.

Mawold later took a breathalyser test which gave the result of 48mg in 100 millimetres of breath.

Mawlod, defending himself, said: “It is the first time I have been in this difficulty.

“It was not a quarter of whiskey, it was much less.

“I thought I was under the limit.

“I have been driving for 11 years and never made any mistakes.

“I feel embarrassed standing here.”

Mawold was banned from driving for 12 months which could be reduced if attended a drink-driving course.

Mawold rejected the Magistrates’ recommendation to attend the course several times because he would be unable to find an interpreter.

Magistrates’ told him they were going to offer it anyway and it was his decision on whether he wanted to attend.

Simon Freebairn, chairman of the bench, said: “You will be banned but if you complete the course - which you must pay for yourself - your ban will be reduced.

“I seriously suggest that you do go on the course but it depends on how much you value driving.”

Mawold was also fined £184 and told to pay £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

The case was heard on Thursday, April 19.