Driver admits drink problem

A SHETLAND builder was disqualified from driving for five years at Lerwick Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to being almost three times over the legal limit when he was stopped by the police.

Francis Philip Murray, of Setter, in Sandwick, admitted that he had a drink problem which he was now dealing with.

The court heard that 43 year old Murray had been under a lot of pressure from work and family related problems, when he was caught on the main A970 road near Gulberwick at 11pm on 31 March this year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie initially moved to have Murray’s car forfeited, but withdrew his motion after he heard that the car, registered in his name, was exclusively used by his 21 year old daughter to get to and from work.

Addressing the court directly, Murray said that had police officers not stopped him that night his driving could have led to a more serious incident.

As this was Murray’s second drink driving conviction, Sheriff Philipp Mann banned him for five years and fined him £1,200.

He told him that the disqualification period could be reduced by one year should he successfully complete a drink driver’s rehabilitation course.