RNLI says banned driver was 'no longer a volunteer'

The RNLI has stated that a Thurso man who admitted a charge of driving while unfit through drink or drugs was not involved with the organisation.

James Forde (52) admitted at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, April 5, having driven while unfit through drink or drugs between Thurso and Scrabster on February 17.

He was fined £480 and banned from driving for a year.

His solicitor Fiona MacDonald told the court that the loss of his licence would mean he would have to make other transport arrangements in his role as a lifeboat volunteer.

But a spokesman for the RNLI said: "We are aware that a former RNLI volunteer in Thurso has been banned from driving. He no longer volunteers for the RNLI and left his voluntary role at the lifeboat station in Thurso before the offence was committed."

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