News / Ban and fine for ‘out of character’ drink-driving
A MAN from Weisdale who was over three times the alcohol limit when his car left the road last year has been banned from driving for 16 months.
Neil Clubb, of Arisdale, Gardie, was also fined £600 when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
The 45 year old admitted driving with 188 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath on the A971 at Weisdale on 30 October. The legal limit is 50mg.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Clubb was taken to hospital after police attended the minor road accident.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said there was “no good reason” for the architectural surveyor technician to take to the wheel that night, with taxis having been used earlier in the evening.
The solicitor added that Clubb had co-operated fully with the police and quickly paid for damage caused to a fence.
The offence was “out of character” for the 45 year old, who had demonstrated “deep” remorse, Allan said.
Sheriff Philip Mann was given a reference from a former teacher and family friend, as well as note from Clubb himself.
The sheriff said he did not need to lecture Clubb on the dangers of drink-driving.
“Clearly you understand the seriousness of driving with excess alcohol and all the problems it can potentially cause to the safety of the public,” he said.
The ban can be reduced to 12 months if Clubb completes a drink-driver rehab course.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.