Fish worker banned from driving after being over twice the legal alcohol limit

A man who drove while over twice the drink driving limit has been banned for a year and fined £625.

Ryan Galbraith, 19, of Da Vadill, Lerwick, ran off after being stopped by police on Saturday. He had taken a friend’s car and driven without insurance or a full licence.

Onlookers reported him after being concerned by his behaviour, and the fact he was behind the wheel. He was found to have 97 microgrammes of alcohol in his system – more than two and a half times the legal limit.

Galbraith was taken into custody and spent the weekend in the cells, before appearing at Lerwick Sheriff Court today, where he admitted three charges. The offences all took place while he was on bail.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the fish worker was drunk and thought it was a good idea at the time. However, having spent some time in custody he had had time to reflect on his actions.

Sheriff Philip Mann told Galbraith: “Driving without insurance and without a licence are serious matters as, of course, is driving while under the influence of drink. All of these matters could cause grave danger to the public, and it is something the court won’t tolerate.”

Galbraith can reduce his driving ban by three months if he completes the drink driving rehablitation scheme.