Banned from the road for 20 months

A man has been banned from the roads for 20 months, ordered to complete unpaid work and adhere to a curfew after admitting motoring and drugs charges.

James Gray, 49, of Grostane in Lerwick previously admitted possession of heroin at the police station on 9th May.

He also admitted having the Class A drug, as well as the Class B substance cannabis resin, in Grostane five days later.
In addition, Gray pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on 11th June last year at the town’s North Road.

He drove at grossly excessive speed, such that he was unable to maintain control of the car. He narrowly missed hitting pedestrians, mounted a pavement and crashed into a wall.

Sentence had been deferred for background reports. At court today, defence agent Tommy Allan said Gray accepted he should not have been behind the wheel on the day in question, and was responsible for the manner of driving which took place.

He added Gray had enjoyed the benefit of staying with his sister in Spain, adding his long-term aim would be to go back there, where the climate suited him.

Mr Allan said Gray was well experienced in managing his own addiction, adding Gray was prepared to carry out unpaid work as an alternative to custody.

Sheriff Philip Mann warned Gray: “You don’t have a good record”. He said he could put Gray into custody, but added he did not believe that would achieve anything.

As well as banning him from the roads, he ordered Gray carry out 150 hours of unpaid work within six months, and told him to wear a tag for four months.