Man drove while disqualified – on day he was released from prison

Dec 17 2008 by Our Correspondent, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A HOMELESS man was caught driving while disqualified – on the very day he had been released from prison.

Mark Glazer said he had been planning to sleep rough in the vehicle that night and was moving it to a quieter area.

However, he was sent straight back behind bars after admitting the offence, along with driving without insurance and failing to provide a breathalyser test.

The 31-year-old, of no fixed abode, also pled guilty to giving police a false name after being stopped on Aitchison Street last month.

Officers intercepted Glazer on the road in Airdrie just after 4.30pm on November 17 after receiving a call regarding a man driving while under the influence.

The fiscal depute told last week’s hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court: “Police stopped the accused while he was driving on Aitchison Street, and noticed the smell of alcohol.

“He was taken to Coatbridge police office, where he gave his details as Mark Anthony O’Brien, and refused to provide a breath specimen, saying: ‘I don’t think I’m over the limit’.”

Glazer’s solicitor told how his client had just been released from Barlinnie prison in Glasgow, but had no accommodation.

The defence agent said: “He had gone to the housing department after being released but was told he would have to sleep rough that night.

“His goods and gear were at the Blue Triangle (in Black Street, Rawyards) where he had stayed previously and his car was still in the car park.

“Mr Glazer went to the car for somewhere to sleep and get shelter, but felt it would be better taken to some quiet area; one of his friends initially drove, but then he took over.

“He’s had an appalling upbringing but he’s no fool; he’s a very intelligent man and appreciates the consequences of the recommission of an offence on the day of his release.”

Sheriff Alf Vannet jailed Glazer for a total of six months and disqualified him from driving for five years, noting: “This is your fourth section five (drink-driving) charge, but you pled guilty at the earliest opportunity which entitles you to a substantial discount on your sentence.”

The sheriff sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment and the five-year ban for both the disqualification and breath specimen charges.

Both sentences run concurrently, along with a four-month term for the charge of providing a false name and date of birth to police, and a year’s ban plus admonition for the insurance offence.