Charlotte Otter Scotland rugby internationalist Dan Parks was yesterday fined £3000 and banned from driving for 18 months after being caught behind the wheel of his car three times over the legal alcohol limit.
The Australian-born fly-half, capped 47 times for his adopted country, also faces the prospect of disciplinary action after Glasgow Warriors, who play in the Magners League, suspended him following the incident and launched an internal investigation.
Police pulled Parks over after they noticed him driving erratically on the M8 near Newhouse, Lanarkshire, just after 3am on April 19, Airdrie Sheriff Court was told.
Parks, 30, was breathalysed and shown to be more than three times over the limit.
Parks, who was a member of the World Cup and Six Nations sides, was stopped by police as he was driving to Edinburgh after a day at Ayr racecourse with friends.
Depute fiscal Emma McLaughlan told the court: "At 3.10am police were driving along the M8 towards Edinburgh when a motor vehicle was seen swerving from lane to lane. The control room were contacted and at 3.25am the car was stopped. Police officers noticed the driver smelt strongly of alcohol and his eyes were glazed."
His lawyer Hugh Neilson told the court his client had realised his actions were "irresponsible and ill advised".
He said: "Daniel had driven to Ayr with the view of leaving his car at a friend's house.
"However, an extra friend came along meaning they couldn't share a taxi. After the races they went out carousing but unfortunately romance took place which meant the friend who Dan was meant to be staying with disappeared.
"He was not sure where his friend's house was or how to get into it so he foolishly drove to Edinburgh.
"This was because his long-term girlfriend was coming back from a family holiday in France and they were meant to be meeting the next day in Stirling as Dan had a charity event to attend.
"He thought it would be nice to surprise his girlfriend at the airport."
Sentencing, Sheriff Peter Anderson said Parks had "let himself down".
He added: "You are a role model to young people and your actions are particularly irresponsible and stupid."
Parks, who pled guilty, was also ordered to attend a drink-driving programme.
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