Court / Drink-drivers disqualified

Wojciech Malecki, of Nordavatn, appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to admit the offence, which took place near to his home address on 9 September, as well as driving with no insurance.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the offence came to light when a passing motorist spotted a car in a ditch at around 10.30pm.

Thirty two year old Malecki was seen trying to retrieve keys out of the vehicle’s ignition, and the onlooker was concerned enough to phone the police, who later arrived and breathalysed him.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had been working on the car to allow it to pass its MOT and had taken it on a test drive after a drinking the night before and earlier in the day.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank also fined Malecki a total of £800 for the two offences.

Another driver lost his licence at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday after being caught over the limit while on his way to work.

Robert Wilson, of Lerwick’s Breiwick Road, was found driving a van while just over double the limit in the town on 16 October.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the 61-year-old had been drinking the day before but had stopped 13 hours before he was due to drive.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank banned Wilson from driving for 18 months and fined him £400.

Both Malecki and Wilson can reduce their period of disqualification by one quarter if they complete a drink-driving rehabilitation course.