Disgraced Scots boxer Scott Harrison behind bars after three-mile drink-drive rampage

Aug 31 2008 By Grace Macaskill

SHAMED boxer Scott Harrison was behind bars last night after weaving through traffic on a three-mile drink-drive rampage.

Police arrested him after he staggered out an off-licence and into his car with a bag of Stella Artois lager.

The pathetic former world champ was so drunk that could barely stand.

A stunned motorist who dialled 999 watched as Harrison was arrested in Glasgow's Gorbals area on Friday night.

The driver said: "Harrison was not just drunk - he was totally steaming.

"When he got out to buy his drink, he was actually holding on to the car to keep him upright.

"When the police finally caught up with him, he was staggering so badly he had to be helped into the back of the police car."

The driver first spotted him when he cut out in front of him on Dalmarnock Road.

The man was so concerned at the erratic driving that he followed the boxer for around three miles without realising who he was.

He watched Harrison, 31, reverse into his Jaguar, swerve on to the wrong side of the road and mount pavements in the 10-minute trip.

When dad-to-be Harrison stopped his VW Lupo at the off-licence, the motorist called police.

The 32-year-old driver said: "He just swung out in front of me from nowhere. I flashed my lights and slammed on the brakes but I decided he was just an idiot and let it go.

"When I came up to traffic lights, the same Lupo was in front of me.

"I saw the reverse lights go on and started tooting my horn but the car hit my front bumper.

"I expected him to get out but he just put his hand up to wave at me and drove off. So I followed him. He'd left without checking I was OK.

"He was driving erratically and hit the kerb.

"He then started swerving all over the road, crossing over on to the other side.

"He's lucky he didn't cause a crash or kill a pedestrian."

The motorist watched in horror as Harrison stopped on Ballater Street and went into Cheers off-licence. He added: "I couldn't believe it when he came out holding beer. It was blatant."

The shocked motorist called 999 and a few moments later Harrison was stopped by police as he drove into Laurieston Street.

It was then the driver realised who he was.

He said: "I saw him take a breathalyser test and watched as the two lights turned red. He's a troubled lad but you can't get into a car under the influence of drink no matter who you are." Cheers shop assistant Edy Khan said: "I knew he was a bit wasted but I had no idea he was driving."

The Lupo was yesterday still parked where Harrison was arrested - with his carry-out inside.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said: "A 31-year-old man has been arrested and is detained in police custody in connection with alleged road traffic offences."

He is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court tomorrow.

  

TIMELINE: HARRISON'S FALL FROM GRACE

NOVEMBER 2004: Cleared of attack on fiancee's ex.

MARCH 2007: Start of weeks in jail on assault and robbery charges with uncle.

MARCH 2008: Ordered to do community service after row in Glasgow pub in 2006.

MAY 2008: After uncle's suicide, charged for attack on lover Stacey and cops.

JUNE 2008: On curfew after convicted of the assaults.

AUGUST 5 2008: Curfew lifted for holiday abroad with Stacey.

AUGUST 20 2008: Fails to appear in court on more assault charges, claiming Stacey is too ill to fly home.