Sixteen-month driving ban for Thurso man four times alcohol limit

A sheriff told a Thurso man who drove while four times the legal drink-drive limit in poor weather that it was fortunate he didn't injure anybody.

In the dock was Sean Gunn, who admitted, at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday, having driven with excess alcohol.

Fiscal David Barclay said that road conditions were "particularly bad" when Gunn (22) left the road in Granville Crescent, Thurso, on March 7.

Gunn, of Bayview Terrace, Thurso, reported the accident to police, who got a distinct smell of alcohol when they arrived at the scene. The 49-year-old gave a positive breath test and a follow-up test revealed a breath-alcohol reading of 88 mcg – the legal limit is 22 mcg.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gunn, an unemployed construction worker, had made "an error of judgement" in driving after having consumed alcohol.

The accused was fined £600 and banned from driving for 16 months.

Sheriff Donald Ferguson added: "It was a bit of luck you or someone else wasn't hurt."