Over-the-limit Freswick driver left scene of accident

A Freswick man who left the scene of an accident was subsequently found to be more than six times the drink-driving limit.

However, the reading was not a true one as Otto Von Hammersmark had subsequently consumed more alcohol after he got home, Wick Sheriff Court heard last week.

Taking the post-incident amount into consideration, the amount in Hammersmark's system at the time he was driving, was calculated at 69 micrograms.

The accused admitted having driven with that level at John O'Groats on October 19. The legal limit is 22mcg.

David Barclay said that police officers attended at Hammersmark's home at Newton of Freswick, two hours after the accident and he gave a positive breath test.

The fiscal continued: "The accused indicated that he had been drinking whisky on his return home and officers noted a hip flash and other evidence of post-incident drinking."

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald highlighted the post-incident alcohol level but accepted that it had not brought it down to within the legal limit.

Hammersmark (26) works in John O'Groats and despite the loss of his licence would be able to get to work on foot, the court heard. Miss MacDonald added that the accused had had an issue with alcohol for a number of years but was addressing it.

Sheriff Neil Wilson noted Hammersmark's previous conviction for a similar offence which would attract a mandatory disqualification of three years, and he imposed that ban. He was also fined £600.