Bower accused told Wick court he could not provide breath specimens
A Bower man claimed he could not provide police officers with samples of his breath because of a medical condition.
Gary Pilkington told Wick Sheriff Court last week that he was suffering from emphysema which affected his ability to inhale and exhale, and that he was not deliberately attempting to "flout the law".
The 43-year-old denied having driven while under the influence of drink or drugs but was found guilty after a trial.
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Police officers who stopped Pilkington in Ormlie Road, Thurso, on December 12, last year, said that his speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.
Sheriff Neil Wilson told Pilkington who claimed he had only consumed a pint of lager, earlier, that he found his evidence "unconvincing and unimpressive" and had no difficulty accepting the evidence of the police and found the accused guilty.
Pilkington, of Thura Place, Bower, denied two further charges of failing to provide a roadside breath test and a follow-up test at Wick Police Station.
Sheriff Wilson said that the accused's explanation as to why he could not provide the samples because of his breathing condition had raised a reasonable doubt and found the charges not proven.
Pilkington, who has a previous conviction for drunk driving, will be sentenced on September 4 after the sheriff considers a background report.