News / Grieving son banned
A CARPENTER who took solace in drink after learning that his father had died before driving while four times the alcohol limit has lost his licence for one year.
Daniele Paparazzo, of Braeface, Alness, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to driving with 88 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath on the town’s South Road on 22 May.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 46 year old was stopped by police at around 1.30am due to the manner of his driving.
He failed a roadside screening test and was taken to the police station after being arrested.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client, who was working as a self-employed carpenter in Shetland, had learned that his father had died back home in Italy after a year-long illness.
A colleague had encouraged him to have a drink, but he ended up driving from the town centre to his accommodation because he was worried about the security of his tools inside his van.
Allan said his client had been told he would lose his job as a result of the offence, which would affect his ability to send money back to his children in Italy.
Sheriff John Rafferty said that while taking into account Paparazzo’s clean driving record and the sombre circumstances, the alcohol reading was “significant”, and placed the public at risk.
He was fined £335 and disqualified from holding a driving licence for one year, which may be reduced by three months if he completes a drink-driver rehab course.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
