‘Steaming’ builder banned from the road
A builder who admitted getting behind the wheel while “steaming” drunk has been banned from driving for three years.
Richard Day, 36, of Ladies Drive, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath test, when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court having spent the weekend in custody.
Police were alerted after a member of the public noticed an “extremely drunk” Day about to drive a vehicle on the Esplanade at around 1.30am on Saturday morning.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Day had told a passenger in the vehicle: “I’m steaming – I’ve been on the piss since three this afternoon.”
Mr Mackenzie said that having failed a roadside screening test, Day “adamantly refused” to provide two breath specimens and was “extremely arrogant and belligerent” in his behaviour towards police officers.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said there was no getting away from the fact that his client should not have been behind the wheel.
Day had “stupidly” decided to drive instead of paying the £5 taxi fare home, and now realised his actions would cost him much more than that. “It was a very big mistake, and he understands that,” Mr Allan said.
Taking into account the guilty plea, honorary Sheriff Arnold Duncan reduced Day’s driving ban from four years to three. He was also fined £900, reduced from £1,200.
