Driving ban for Thurso driver who took cannabis

A Thurso man became the latest driver to flout the drug-driving legislation and put his job at risk.

Scaffolder Grant Maclean (43) was banned from driving for a year and fined £200 when he appeared at Wick Sheriff Court last week.

Fiscal David Barclay said that police received a tip-off on March 26 from a concerned member of the public who believed that Maclean might be "under the influence of drugs" behind the wheel.

The fiscal said: "Officers who stopped Maclean got the smell of cannabis and a roadside test confirmed he had a drug in his system."

A blood sample subsequently revealed a reading of 3.5mcg – the legal limit is 2mcg. The drug involved was Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Fiona MacDonald said that Maclean had "unfortunately" decided to take cannabis and drive, and went on: "He accepts that it was a mistake on his part and he is now facing the music."

The solicitor added: "The accused hopes he will retain his employment."

Sentencing Maclean, Sheriff Neil Wilson said that the accused appreciated the consequences that losing his licence might have, but told him: "There is little to be said by way of mitigation. You knew full well that what you did was entirely wrong."

However, the sheriff expressed the hope that Maclean, of Springpark Terrace, Thurso, would retain his employment.