Caithness scaffolding firm boss avoids driving ban

The boss of a Caithness scaffolding firm was fined £1200 at Wick Sheriff Court after he admitted having been in charge of a van while unfit through drink or drugs.

However, Sheriff Jo Platt refrained from banning Kevin Donn (42) from driving after hearing that his licence was vital to his livelihood.

The court was told that police, acting on a tip-off, located Donn and a companion in Skaill Road, Forse, around 8am on February 26.

Fiscal David Barclay said the pair were attempting to retrieve a Ford Transit van and added: “I am not sure whether or not it had broken down but it was clear that Donn was in charge of the van. His demeanour was such that he appeared to be under the influence of something.”

Officers put Donn through certain impairment tests prior to him being checked by the police doctor.

The fiscal went on: “It is not clear whether the accused was in charge of the vehicle while unfit through drink or through drugs.”

Solicitor Sian Grant said that Donn, of Knockglass Road, Westfield, near Thurso, was responsible for checking scaffolding immediately it had been erected, in areas all over the north of Scotland and down to Fife, clocking up between 25,000 and 30,000 miles per year.

Miss Grant said: “He oversees the work done by employees which no-one else can do.”

She said that disqualification was discretionary in such an offence and appealed to Sheriff Jo Platt not to ban her client.

The sheriff noted that Donn had a conviction for a similar offence “of concern” but added that he was persuaded, "just", not to impose disqualification, but 10 points instead.