Drink-driver banned from the road

A CHEF from Weston-super-Mare who drove in Lerwick while over four times the alcohol limit has been disqualified for 18 months and given a £900 fine.

John Diamond, of Milton Brow, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to driving on the A970 road between Blackhill Industrial Estate and the Ladies Drive junction with 96 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath on 16 October.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 50 year old was stopped at around 3.15pm after a concerned member of the public tipped off the police.

He failed a roadside screening test and was arrested before being taken to Lerwick Police Station.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client, who was a relief chef working across the UK, had been drinking the night before in addition to having half a bottle of wine the following morning.

He said Diamond – whose business would be affected “considerably” with the loss of his licence – did not realise how much alcohol would have still been in his system.

Sheriff Philip Mann added that Diamond could reduce his ban by four months if he completes a drink-driver rehab course.