Security guard drove to work after drinking half a bottle of whisky

John Hilland, 52, arrived at the Nike UK headquarters in Doxford Park, Sunderland, over the limit and late for his shift on January 4, Sunderland magistrates heard.

When his bosses called police, he was promptly arrested, before testing 107 microgrammes in alcohol per 100ml of breath – the legal limit being 35.

Prosecutor Rebecca Laverick said: “A member of staff working at the Nike offices at Doxford Park was waiting for the security staff to arrive.

“When this defendant arrived, she was concerned he may have been drunk.

“She called police because she was concerned he might be substantially over the legal limit.”

Hilland told officers he had been drinking prior to going into work, and that he had consumed half a bottle of whisky, Ms Laverick said.

“He said he has driven a fairly short distance from where he started drinking, about 500 yards from his place of work,” she added.

Hilland, of Westhills Close, Sacriston, County Durham, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

Probation officer Paul Grace said: “It seems that Mr Hilland has been suffering from anxiety and depression, which led to an increased alcohol use.

“He tells me he’s got a handle on that now.

“Clearly, on this occasion, he has been on his way to work and has called into a pub, close to where he worked, and he’s consumed around half a bottle of whisky.

“Clearly he placed the public at risk, and he tells me he is thankful no one was harmed.

“He is still employed by the same people, but is on the sick. He’s not sure how long his employment will continue now he’s convicted.”

Jason Smith, defending, said: “This will weigh heavily on him. He was employed, at the time, as a security officer.

“He was suspended immediately after that, and today he will lose his job.

“It’s a double-whammy as far as sentence is concerned, because he will also lose his job and his source of income.

“It is unlikely he will be working after today.”

Hilland was fined £560 and was told to pay £85 costs and a £56 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 25 months.