Court / Drink driver loses licence – and vehicle

A MAN who took to the wheel while more than five times the limit has been banned from driving for six years – and has also lost his vehicle to the authorities.

Seventy year old John Tait, of East Burrafirth, was also fined £1,250 when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court for sentencing on Wednesday.

The court heard that his now-forfeited vehicle was worth between £6,500 and £8,000.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said the severity of the sentencing was in part due to two related previous convictions.

Tait previously admitted to driving with 125 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath on 29 March on the B9071 at East Burrafirth and at the Eid Community Shop. The limit is 22 microgrammes.

He also pleaded guilty to driving carelessly on the B9071 at East Burrafirth on the same day and colliding with another vehicle.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said during mitigation that a community payback order could provide an opportunity to deal with his client’s alcohol use.

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“He appreciates this may be the end of his driving career,” Allan added.

He described his client as someone who has worked regularly through his life.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said he felt the matter could be dealt with financially.

“The situation here is a serious one, not only because of the offence itself and the level of the reading of alcohol, but it’s made serious with your two previous convictions,” he told Tait.

Tait’s driving ban was cut from nine years as a result of the early plea, whilst the fine was also reduced from £1,750.

Sheriff Cruickshank also admonished Tait on the careless driving charge.