Drink driver loses licence

A MAN from Greater London who admitted driving while unfit through drink or drugs earlier this year in Unst has lost his licence for one year and fined £350.

Richard Searle, of Carville Crescent, Brentford, admitted to the offence, which took place on the A968 in Baltasound on 24 July, at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Representing himself, Searle said there were “holes” in the version of events presented in court, but pleaded guilty because he didn’t have the money to travel to Shetland again for a trial.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Searle had been driving from a music festival to catch the ferry to Yell but he lost control of his vehicle and ended up in a field.

He decided to walk the rest of the route and was met by a passing acquaintance. Mackenzie said the car was found later that afternoon by a farmer, who contacted the police.