Thurso man 16 times drug limit in parked car

A man was caught in charge of his car 16 times over the drug limit, Wick Sheriff Court heard last week.

Callum Mackenzie admitted the offence and was fined £300. The 45-year-old also incurred 11 penalty points – one short of an automatic six month ban.

The court heard that, around 7am on November 10, last year, police were made aware of a vehicle parked at the entrance to a farm, west of Castletown on the A836, and located Mackenzie in the driver’s seat. The accused’s speech was slurred and he was seen by officers to stumble after he got out of the vehicle.

Mackenzie, of Bardnaclavan Place, Janetstown, who had been collecting lug worms for fishing at Dunnet Beach, was arrested and taken to Wick Police Station where a doctor obtained a blood sample. It revealed a level of 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine – the legal limit is 50 mcg.

Outlining Mackenzie’s health history, George Mathers said that the accused had suffered two strokes and was on various prescription medications which affected his voice and speech.

The solicitor added: “He was offered a drug and stupidly took it in the belief it would give him energy.”

Sheriff Neil Wilson noted that Mackenzie’s licence had been revoked by licensing authority the DVLA and was therefore not going to ban him but commented on his high level.