Year-long driving ban for Thurso man

A driving ban means that a Thurso man will have to get a lift when he responds to an emergency, a sheriff was told on Wednesday.

James Forde (52) admitted having driven while unfit through drink or drugs between Thurso and Scrabster on February 17.

Police acting on a report by another driver who described Forde's driving as 'erratic' and traced him Wick Sheriff Court heard today.

Fiscal David Barclay said that officers found the accused to be "somewhat confused" and added: "He smelled of alcohol and appeared to be unsteady on his feet."

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Forde, of Naver Court, Thurso, had taken alcohol four hours after prescribed medication. She claimed that the loss of his licence would mean he would have to make other transport arrangements in his role as a lifeboat volunteer.

Sheriff Janys Scott fined him £480 and banned him from driving for a year.