News / Too ill to be breathalysed
A FARMER has been disqualified from driving for 18 months after being found “significantly under the influence” in a supermarket car park before failing to provide two samples of breath.
David William Anderson, of New House, Scousburgh, was also fined £600 on Thursday when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told court that police were tipped off about Anderson’s driving in the Co-op supermarket car park in Lerwick on 19 March.
They found the 50 year old “clearly under the influence” and exuding a “strong smell of alcohol”, he said.
An initial breath test showed a reading of almost two and a half times the new drink driving limit, but when Anderson was taken to Lerwick police station he was too ill to give any further specimens and ended up in hospital where he received “medication for alcohol withdrawal”.
Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said that Anderson was “under pressure” at the time of the offence due to a potential livestock-related court case and had turned to alcohol.
He had since been referred to the NHS for counselling and his friends and family had “rallied around him”, he said.
Sheriff Philip Mann said he had “no option” but to impose a driving disqualification and a fine.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.