Court / Man’s dangerous driving could have had ‘tragic consequences’, court hears

11 May 2022 14:16

A YOUNG man has been fined £1,600 and disqualified for 16 months after driving dangerously at grossly excessive speeds while just over three times the alcohol limit.

Twenty year old Tyler Johnson, of Mid Yell, previously pleaded guilty at Lerwick Sheriff Court to driving dangerously on the A971, A970 and B9074 roads on 7 March last year, repeatedly crossing the centre line, turning his lights on and off and failing to stop for police.

He also admitted driving with 169 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood – the legal limit is 50 – as well as taking to the wheel with no insurance.

His case sparked comments from Sheriff Ian Sheriff Cruickshank that there was a “plague of bad, dangerous driving” from young people in Shetland.

The court previously heard that police on mobile patrol in the Tingwall area were alerted to the driving by a member of the public.

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Johnson was driving at “extreme speeds” and had also been going back and forth across the carriageway, the court had heard.

Officers had to follow the vehicle before they managed to stop and arrest the driver.

The case returned to court on Wednesday following the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.

Defence agent Colin Severin said it was clear that his client “still has lot of maturing to do”.

He suggested Johnson was not in the best place at the time and was self-medicating with alcohol.

This resulted in “some extremely poor decision making”, the court heard.

But the solicitor said Johnson’s situation has improved since the offence.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank repeated his concern about the manner of driving.

He added that there has perhaps been a “lightbulb moment” for Johnson that there could have had “tragic consequences”.

The sheriff said it was by “good grace and fortune that was avoided”.

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A fine of £1,000 was given for the dangerous driving, with £600 added on for driving under the influence of alcohol. There will also be a £75 victim surcharge payment.

Meanwhile Johnson will be able to reduce his disqualification by one quarter if he completes a drink driver rehabilitation course.

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.