Drink driver had no recollection of incidents

A man who admitted drinking and driving in Lerwick last year was fined and banned when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

William Forrester, 32, previously of Shetland but now at Alexander Street, East Wemyss, Fife, pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink or drugs

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie told the court that Forrester had been seen by a mobile police patrol at 1.30am on 19th July driving along Commercial Road without headlights and at excessive speed.

Forrester was given a roadside screening test and taken to Lerwick Police Station. He failed to provide two specimens of breath and he behaved aggressively, shouting and swearing.

He failed to provide two specimens of breath and he behaved aggressively, shouting and swearing. His behaviour “deteriorated” so much that he had to be restrained as he was causing a threat to the police.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said that Forrester, an unemployed labourer who has children aged 14, 12 and 10, had been at a “low ebb” at the time of the offence and at the start of a “downward spiral”. He was on medication for depression and on the night in question went out drinking with a friend.

He had no recollection of the incident, and only remembered waking up in the cells. He was embarrassed about his behaviour and apologised for it. There was a possibility that his medication had reacted with alcohol, as the friend said Forrester had been in a “strange mood”.

At present, Mr Allan said, Forrester could not work due to mental health problems, but wanted to get back to work and be in a position to see his children.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the road traffic offences were serious and the safety of the public was at risk. For the driving offence, he disqualified Forrester from driving for three years and ordered forfeiture of the vehicle.

The sheriff also describing failing to give a breath test as serious. He said: “You can’t refuse to give a test and expect to be dealt with leniently by the court.” He was disqualified from driving for four years and fined £200 for this offence.

Forrester was also fined £200 for the breach of the peace at the police station. He will pay the total of £400 at £10 per fortnight.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.