Man intended to drive while five times the limit

A MAN from Crewe who was watched by police getting into a van after a night out while over five times the alcohol limit has been banned from the road and fined.

Thomas Mount, of 11 Alum Court, previously admitted being in charge of a van at Lerwick’s Victoria Pier on 14 May this year with 119mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Thursday from procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie that the 22 year old had parked the van at around 11pm before going on a night out with a workmate.

They returned to the vehicle at around 1.50am, but were watched by nearby police, with Mount seen getting into the driver’s seat.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said that his client, who works in scaffolding, claims he had “no intention” to drive the van.

However Sheriff Philip Mann said he found it “quite difficult to accept” Mount’s assertion.

He believed the man’s “intention would have been to get back to his accommodation” ahead of working the next day.

Mann disqualified Mount from driving for nine months, which may be reduced by two months if he completes a driving rehabilitation course, and fined him £400.