Friday 29 March 2024
 7°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Taxi driver asleep at wheel

A TAXI driver who dozed off at the wheel and crashed into a lamppost at Sumburgh Airport has been banned from the road and is set to lose her job.

Vanessa Johnston, of St Magnus Street, Lerwick, previously admitted to driving dangerously at the airport on 1 July by falling asleep and causing damage to the lamppost following the collision.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the 54 year old did not sustain any injuries in the incident.

However, there was a large amount of scaffolding near the lamppost, which could have been “very significant” if she drove into it.

Mackenzie added that Johnston had been on night shift for three years before moving to days, and with her body clock confused she woke up at 4am and failed to get back to sleep.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was “relieved” that no one else was hurt in the incident.

Johnston had opened her windows and turned up the volume of music in her car in a bid to stave off the tiredness.

Allan added that the woman had thought she had pleaded guilty to careless driving and not dangerous driving, but he said the plea could not be withdrawn.

Sheriff Philip Mann ruled that the 54 year old “knew she was tired even before she set off” and should have thought twice about taking to the wheel.

He banned her from the road for the minimum one year and fined her £400, with Johnston told she will have to sit an extended driving test before getting a licence again.

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.