‘Morning-after’ A9 driver was five-times limit

A sheriff told a driver found to be almost five times the legal drink-drive limit that disqualification was “inevitable”.

Glasgow man Fearghus Peedie was banned for 20 months at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday and fined £400 after pleading guilty.

The 24-year-old was stopped on the A9 at Achavanich and tests revealed a breath alcohol level of 112 mcg – the legal limit is 22 mcg.

Sheriff Neil Wilson, who saw a “helpful” background report, described the reading as particularly high for “a morning-after level” and was “a very serious matter indeed”.

However, the sheriff said that Peedie, of Lawrence Street, Glasgow, presented as someone who was focused on his difficulties for which he was seeking help.