Sheriff slams 'outrageous' alcohol level of Thurso driver
A drink-driver's alcohol level was described as 'outrageous' by a sheriff this week.
A test revealed that Nigel Mackenzie had a breath-alcohol level of 154mcg – nearly seven times the legal limit of 22mcg.
Mackenzie pleaded guilty at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday and will be sentenced next month. The 44-year-old also admitted having been in possession of the Class A drug, cocaine.
The court was told that police received a tip-off about the manner in which the accused's car was being driven near a school in Ormlie Road, Thurso, on September 26, and traced him to his home in the town's Cairnmore Place.
Fiscal Sue Foard said that Mackenzie confirmed to police officers that he had been the driver and gave a positive breath test.

A search later, at the police station, produced a bag of white powder found to be 0.9gm of cocaine.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald told the court that Mackenzie, a first offender, had had to deal with a number of difficulties in his personal life including a bereavement and caring for a terminally-ill relative.
Miss MacDonald continued: "He accepts he should not have driven his car and was mortified when he discovered the level of alcohol involved."
Sheriff Andrew Berry called for a background report on the accused and commented: "Your reading is around seven times the legal limit, which is an outrageous level."
The sheriff reserved a decision about forfeiture of Mackenzie's car pending information about whether there was any finance outstanding on the vehicle. He warned the accused not to try to dispose of the vehicle.
Sheriff Berry urged Mackenzie when meeting social workers to be honest about his use of alcohol and drugs, describing them as "a bad combination".
Mackenzie will be sentenced on November 16, after the sheriff considers a background report. The accused is banned from driving meantime.