Court / Drink driver banned for a year

A TWENTY six year old security guard has been banned from driving for a year and fined £600 after admitted driving while more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

John McElhone, of Ockragarth, Brae, pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on 6 June on an unclassified road between Walls and Sandness.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said police had been contacted by a member of the public who was concerned by the manner of his driving.

Officers found and stopped him and he failed a roadside screening test before being taken to Lerwick Police Station. He was found to have 100 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 22 microgrammes.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client resided with his mother and is going to be able to keep his job, though the conviction may hamper his career progression.

He said it was “very much out of character” and came after McElhone had enjoyed his first night out in town with friends since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Allan said his client had “no good reason for deciding to drive home” and it was “obvious he has taken this to heart”.

Sheriff Iain Cruickshank fined and banned McElhone, who will be able to reduce the length of his disqualification by three months if he successfully completes a drink driving rehabilitation course.

Meanwhile, driving without holding a full licence, insurance or a test certificate for his vehicle has cost a 28 year old man £500 in fines and six penalty points.

Michael White, of Guddataing, Burra, admitted driving at the Bressay Ferry Terminal on 23 April this year while holding a provisional licence with no qualified driver and without displaying ‘L’ plates.