Ban and fine for driver unfit after taking medication

Police were concerned that a man sitting behind the wheel of his car might be under the influence of something, Wick Sheriff Court heard last week.

Officers spoke to Stewart Walker in Martha Terrace, Wick, on May 12, and concluded from his demeanor and his slurred speech that his fitness to drive was in question.

A doctor confirmed that Walker (32) was unfit to drive and the cause might be drugs or alcohol on top of medication.

However, Fiscal David Barclay told the court that the accused made a comment to police officers that he had taken prescribed medication and thought it was this that had affected his driving.

Solicitor Sian Grant said that Walker, of Glamis Road, Wick, had suffered a stroke two years ago and had taken prescribed medication prior to an appointment with his doctor.

Miss Grant continued: "The appointment was 45 minutes longer than he had anticipated and when he left, he started to feel the effects of the medication."

Walker required his licence to visit family in Inverness but was due for a medical appointment to determine his fitness to drive.

Sheriff Neil Wilson said he was persuaded to limit the period of disqualification to four months.

In addition, Walker was fined £330. He admitted having driven while unfit through drink or drugs.