Dunbeath driver banned for being over cannabis limit

A Dunbeath man was alleged to have driven dangerously while a police officer was holding onto the door of his car.

However, the charge was dropped by fiscal depute Grant McLennan, who accepted a plea of not guilty from Michael Cowie, along with two other charges, that he failed to stop when required by a police sergeant, and was in possession of Cannabis, a Class B drug.

At Wick Sheriff Court on Thursday, Cowie tendered a plea of guilty to the remaining count of driving with a drug excess.

The 27-year-old was stopped by police in the early hours of September 16, 2023, on the A9, near Knockglass Road, Dunbeath, and was arrested after he provided officers with a positive roadside test. A blood sample revealed a reading of 3.7mcg for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol – the legal limit is 2mcg.

John McColl said his client, who was unwell and unable to come to court, had realised “the error of his ways” and was determined to ensure there would be no repeat of such an offence.

The solicitor added that disqualification would mean that Cowie, an electrician, of Classvalley Road, Dunbeath, would probably have to find another job.

The accused was fined £400 and banned from driving for a year.