Thurso nightclub staff tipped off police about drink-driver
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A motorist almost five times the legal drink-driving limit was fined £1200 at Wick Sheriff Court.
Self-employed Lee Stevenson (24) was also banned from driving for two years after he pleaded guilty.
Police received a tip-off from members of staff at Thurso's Skinandi's nightclub who reported seeing an intoxicated man getting into a vehicle late on October 28 last year.
Lee, who was in the area on business, left the Royal Hotel car park and went "round the block" before returning soon afterwards and was seen by the police.
Fiscal depute Grant McLennan said that the accused "struggled with his balance", had slurred speech, and gave a positive breath test.
Follow-up tests at Wick Police Station revealed a breath-alcohol level of 102mcg – the legal limit is 22mcg.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Lee, of Greenside, Bourtreehill North, Irvine, had only travelled a short distance.
Sheriff Mark Lindsay, KC wondered why the accused had "gone round the block".
Miss MacDonald replied: "An act of stupidity for which he is paying a price."
Sheriff Lindsay observed it was Lee's first offence but stressed it was "a serious one".
The sheriff said that the minimum ban for such an offence was a year but that would be "inappropriate" for a driver almost five times the legal limit and the disqualification would therefore be one of two years.
