Thurso driver who hit 100mph on A9 banned for a year for drug driving

A Thurso driver was found to be more than three times the legal drug-driving limit after police recorded him travelling at speeds of up to 100mph.

Kevin Stewart previously pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving – reduced from dangerous driving – and one of drug driving.

Wick Sheriff Court was told on Wednesday that the 45-year-old was clocked by police officers carrying out speed checks on the Stainland straight of the A9, south of Thurso, on October 30 last year.

Fiscal David Barclay said that Stewart, of Stainland Cottages, Thurso, appeared to be under the influence of something given his demeanor and dilated pupils. A roadside drugs swipe produced a positive reading for cannabis.

An analysis of the sample revealed a reading of 6.5mcg for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Describing the area, the fiscal said that there were entrances from farms and houses on the straight. In addition, there were chevrons warning southbound drivers of a bend at the end of the straight which was a known accident blackspot.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Stewart suffered from a handful of medical conditions and took cannabis to ease the pain.

She said that the accused had not taken the drug on the day in question but accepted it would have built up in his system through long-term consumption.

Miss MacDonald told the court that Stewart had been injured in a forklift accident in 1995 and had since needed a stick to get about.

He was fined £200 and banned from driving for a year.

Sheriff Vinit Khurana said he had reduced the fine and disqualification in light of Stewart's early pleas.