Driver avoids ban for being unfit through prescribed drug

Police who found a Wick woman behind the wheel of a car formed the impression that she would not be in a fit state to drive it.

However, it turned out Jenna Larnach was not under the influence of drink or illegal substances but a drug prescribed by her GP, Wick Sheriff Court was told.

The 36-year-old admitted having been in charge of her vehicle while unfit though a drug. She was fined £270 but avoided disqualification.

The court was told that officers had reason to visit Larnach’s home in Murchison Street, Wick, in the afternoon of July 21.

Fiscal David Barclay said that Larnach was seated at the wheel of the vehicle with the car keys and went on: “She was clearly affected by something. The accused told police officers that she had taken prescribed medication the previous night and more of it the following day.”

Mr Barclay said he was happy to accept that the drug taken had been legal as opposed to “something else”.

The fiscal went on to inform Sheriff Jo Platt that Larnach has been the victim of sustained stalking by a man who had recently been found guilty of the offence and was yet to be sentenced.

Mr Barclay added: “Larnoch was going through a traumatic spell at the time. It was clear at the trial that she was in a very stressful situation.”

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald confirmed that Larnach had taken some of her medication the previous night and added: “It didn’t work so she took some more the following day.”

Miss MacDonald appealed to Sheriff Platt to refrain from disqualifying her client as her licence was “pretty essential” for family reasons, so he imposed 10 penalty points instead.