Roads banfor kitchen fitter
A kitchen-fitter has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.
David Gourlay was caught driving a Fiat on March 2, last year on the M8 motorway at junction 29, under the influence of drugs.
The 51-year-old admitted to driving while the proportion of Delta-9Tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood was 4.4mg.
The limit for that drug is 2mg per litre of blood.
Procurator fiscal depute, Amber Feeney told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 8.15am, police stopped the accuse’s vehicle to carry out a routine check.
“On speaking with the accused they could detect a strong smell of cannabis.
“A test was carried out which tested positive for the drug and the accused made no reply to caution and charge.”
Defence agent, Bob Kerr explained Gourlay runs his own kitchen fitting business that takes him “all over the country.”
Mr Kerr also explained that Gourlay doesn’t smoke cannabis, but only takes the drug when he is fishing, he said: “He only takes it when he goes fishing, and in the form of cookies supplied by his friend.
“He had the cookie on a fishing trip and clearly this was still in his system the following day.
“He was fully compliant with police.
“This was a routine check, there was nothing wrong with him, the vehicle or with the manner of his driving.
“This is a very unfortunate incident.
“He knows he is going to lose his license and how much of an inconvenience this will cause his company but he is going to find ways to keep going.”
Sheriff Lindsay Kooner banned Gourlay, of Moss Road in Wishaw from the roads for 12 months.
In addition, a fine of £290 was ordered to be paid at the rate of £100 per month.