Hefty fine and long driving ban for man who embarked on an ‘inexplicable course of conduct’

BREAKING into his employer’s office to steal the keys to a works van and driving from Lerwick to Tingwall while under the influence of drink or drugs has resulted in a heavy fine and lengthy disqualification for a Lerwick man.

The town’s sheriff court heard on Thursday how Matthew Smith embarked on “quite an inexplicable course of conduct” on 28 August last year.

On the day, the 37-year-old had attended a social event in the Tingwall Hall, organised by his employer, civil engineering firm SQC Plant.

After he was given a lift back to town, Smith decided he wanted to return to Tingwall later the same day and could think of no other way to get there than to steal the keys to the works van and take the vehicle without consent.

Defence solicitor Gregor Kelly said his client could give no explanations for his actions.

Smith, of Cheyne Crescent, pleaded guilty to a total of three charges when he appeared at court on Thursday.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said a neighbour heard loud noises when Smith was breaking into a building belonging to SQC Plant at Garthspool Road.

Police were called and managed to trace Smith to the works do, which had now progressed into a private party at Veensgarth to where he had driven in the works van.

Kelly said his client was now working on the Scottish mainland after he was sacked by his previous employer.

However, SQC Plant provided a very favourable character reference for its employee of five years.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank told Smith that he could send him to jail but decided to settle the matter with a “meaningful” fine and lengthy disqualification as this was his third drink driving conviction.

Smith was told to pay his former employer £500 in compensation for the damage he had caused during the break-in and ordered to pay a further £1,000 in fines.

He was banned from road for four years.