Halkirk drink-driver stopped going ‘very slowly’ on Berriedale Braes

A Halkirk man has been banned from driving for a year and fined £400 for a drink-driving offence that saw him more than double the legal limit.

James Pockett pleaded guilty at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Sheriff Neil Wilson was told that police officers stopped the 37-year-old travelling “very slowly” north on Berriedale Braes, on June 1.

The accused gave a positive breath test, and a follow-up test at Wick Police Station revealed a breath-alcohol reading of 49mcg – the legal limit is 22mcg.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Pockett, of Sinclair Street, Halkirk, had made “a stupid decision” to drive.

Sheriff Wilson, who heard that the accused would lose his employment as his licence was essential for his work, told him: “You know you have been very foolish”.