Five-year ban for salmon farm worker who drove home from pub

When Gary McNally headed home from a night at the pub, he took his van rather than face the short walk to his house.

But police stopped him and found he was more than twice the drink driving limit.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court today McNally, 24, was banned from driving for five years and fined £1,400 after he admitted driving along South Road with 172 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood last October – the legal limit is 80.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said McNally’s home was within walking distance of the pub where he had been drinking.

He failed the roadside screening test and was taken to the police station where appropriate procedures were carried out.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the West Side salmon farm worker was aware he faced a lengthy disqualification.

Producing a reference from his employer, Mr Allan said McNally’s job was not in jeopardy because of what had happened.

However a ban would “hamper” his chances of advancement.

The court heard McNally had only recently acquired his van on hire purchase, which was worth £8,500.

He has since given back the vehicle and lost £5,000 into the bargain.

Mr Allan said McNally was able to pay a financial penalty, but asked Sheriff Graeme Napier to take into account the impact a ban would have on his employment.

“Foolish doesn’t really go anywhere towards explaining it,” Sheriff Napier told McNally. “I’m concerned by the fact what you did was extremely dangerous.”