AN uninsured driver who “was acting strange” in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Clydebank has been disqualified.

Alan Cartwright, of the town’s Windsor Crescent, was at the fast food restaurant’s drive-thru, near the Kilbowie retail park, in the afternoon of May 29, but was not speaking to the worker willing to take his order.

His actions caused a hold-up for other customers.

He then drove past and stopped between the first and second order window at the fast food chain.

The employee noticed his behaviour was strange as Cartwright reversed back to the first window to make his order, but he was taking a long time to communicate, slurring his words and was being very delayed in his responses.

The 32-year-old then got out of the van and went round to the passenger side to find his card to pay and then went back to the driver’s side. 

Fiscal depute Decla O’Connor said that the worker thought the action was strange and believed he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

It then took him five attempts to drive off as he could not start the van and police were contacted by the staff member shortly afterwards voicing their concerns.

When police arrived they noticed that Cartwright’s speech was slurred, his movements were slow, his eyes were dilated, and he was foaming at the corners of his mouth.

It was later discovered he did not have insurance to be driving the vehicle and when police informed him of the reason for their presence he openly admitted to them and said “I smoked a joint. I haven’t been under the influence of anything”.

His defence solicitor Stephen Maguire said: “He wasn’t in the best place mentally. He was struggling with his mental health as drink and illicit drugs played a part.

“He shouldn’t be anywhere near a car. He made poor choices and the explanation he offers was honest but not the best. He has taken steps to address his drink issues since.

“He recognises the choices he made will be of the court’s disapproval. He is engaging in the services. His recollection is not the best.”

At the hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on December 21, Sheriff Neil Kinnear disqualified Cartwright for 20 months.

He was also placed on a community payback order for 12 months under social work supervision and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

As part of the punishment, a conduct requirement to attend mental health and addiction services was imposed.