Teenage driver was nearly three times over the limit

A teenage driver who was almost three times over the drink driving limit appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Michael Goodlad, 19, of Hoofields, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to driving at the town’s Grodians on Saturday with 94 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He pleaded not guilty to having no MOT, which was accepted by the court.

Honorary sheriff Eric Peterson deferred sentence until 14th December, a date that had already been arranged for Goodlad to appear in court on other matters. Meanwhile the sheriff disqualified Goodlad from driving and released him on bail.

His appearance followed three arrests made by police in relation to drink driving at the weekend. An 81-year-old man was detained on Saturday evening in North Roe, while a 21-year-old man was arrested in Whalsay in the early hours of Sunday.

Chief inspector Angus MacInnes said police would continue to target those still willing to risk their own and the lives of others by drink or drug driving.

He said: “It is disappointing that some drivers are continuing to ignore the law and are prepared to risk their own safety and that of other road users.

“The consequences of drink driving can be devastating in many ways. If people choose to drink and drive, it could lead to a court conviction, a criminal record, loss of their licence and fines. Drivers are also reminded should they get caught drink or drug driving for a second time, then the court may seize their vehicle and it will either be sold or destroyed.

“The ultimate penalty is of course the potential loss of life on our roads as a result of drink driving,” Mr MacInnes added.