A DANGEROUS driver attacked an unsuspecting victim after crashing into the back of his car at a red light in Helensburgh whilst intoxicated.

Hugh Pollock has been fined and banned from the roads after getting behind the wheel while under the influence earlier this year.

The 55-year-old previously admitted two charges during a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court and appeared for sentencing on November 8.

The court heard that Pollock, from Alexandria, was spotted driving in his Vauxhall vehicle by two people in the car in front on Rhu Road Higher at around 5pm on October 3.

They noticed that Pollock's car would not stay in the lane and continued to enter the opposing lane for more than a mile.

However, he was described as overcompensating his swerve back into his own lane as the rear side tyre hit the kerb when cars on the opposite side drove past.

The court was told that the two people in the vehicle ahead kept a safe distance from Pollock as they thought he was under the influence.

Pollock crashed into the back of their Volkswagen whilst stationary at a red traffic light on West Montrose Street.

Both vehicles suffered from superficial scratches and there was damage to the Volkswagen's registration plate.

The driver of the other car noticed that Pollock was unsteady on his feet and had glazed eyes, so he removed the keys from the ignition.

And in the process of doing that a scuffle ensued which saw Pollock hit the victim on the face.

Pollock previously pleaded guilty to an amended charge of driving dangerously whilst intoxicated and failing to keep the car under proper control.

His vehicle repeatedly collided with the kerb, while he failed to observe the preceding car, then stationary at the traffic light showing red, and collided with the car causing damage to it.

He also admitted to a second charge of assaulting a man by striking him on the head with his elbow.

Defence solicitor Judith Reid said: "He is effectively in custody fully committed since those offences and arguably has spent a lot longer in custody than he normally would have.

"My suggestion is to look at these matters in a pragmatic way by means of a financial penalty and a disqualification. He would seek time to pay because there is money in his business accounts.

"He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity."

Sheriff Lorna Anderson said: "I have a lot of information but nonetheless the circumstances are what they are."

Pollock, of Baxter Lane in Alexandria, was disqualified for 12 months and will be required to sit an extended test.

The sheriff also fined him £1,000 which must be paid back at a rate of £100 per month.