A 60-YEAR-OLD Dunfermline man crashed his car in the town centre after self-medicating on pain-killers, a court has heard.

John Hannah, 60, of Lomond Crescent, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on October 17, in East Port, Dunfermline, he was driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He drove carelessly, failing to keep his car under control, and collided with a stationary scooter and car, causing damage to the vehicles.

Depute fiscal Claire Kennedy said that at 3pm, police received a phone call from a member of the public saying that Hannah had collided with two vehicles and “appeared to be under the influence of something”.

Officers arrived at around 3.30pm and observed the damaged vehicles. “They formed the opinion Hannah was under the influence of some substance as he was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred,” added the depute.

There was no smell of alcohol and a breath test proved negative.

He was taken to Dunfermline police station where a urine sample was provided.

Jonathan Matheson-Dear said his client suffered from ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

He was on a prescription for Tramadol but on this occasion had “bought more on the streets”.

The solicitor went on: “He lost control of his car and struck one of the vehicles which ricocheted into the other. This took place in a busy town centre and he is very relieved no-one was injured. His vehicle was written off.

“This was an extremely serious error of judgement.”

Mr Matheson-Dear said his client took full despite responsibility for the incident despite having told a social worker the collisions had been the result of him sneezing.

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “You were driving while unfit to do so because of the consumption of Tramadol. As a result, you caused damage to these vehicles and it’s very fortunate it was only vehicles that were damaged.”

The sheriff imposed a community payback order with 135 hours of unpaid work and a fine of £360. Hannah was also banned from driving for 16 months.