Driver was found slumped over wheel

A driver was found slumped over his steering wheel in broad daylight, Perth Sheriff Court was told last week.

Motorists went to investigate when his car failed to move off on a green light at a busy Perth junction, near the local police headquarters.

Thirty-seven-year-old Scott Smith failed to respond to knocking on the passenger window.

When he woke he tried to start the car - but the engine was already running.

The keys were removed from the ignition and the police were alerted.

When they arrived at Perth’s Caledonian Road, Smith was described as unsteady on his feet.

Depute fiscal Robbie Brown said: “His movements were slow and uncoordinated, he was disorientated, his speech was slurred, his pupils were constricted and his eyes were drooping.”

Smith, of Pomarium Street, Perth, was banned for four years after he admitted driving while unfit through drink or drugs on March 2.

Smith, who had taken prescribed medication, will also have to resit the driving test.

In addition he will be tagged and restricted to his home from 9pm-9am for the next six months.

Solicitor Paul Ralph produced a letter from the accused’s GP which stressed he had not been taking illicit substances but his condition related to medication he had been taking.

The court heard previously that Smith has a previous conviction for a similar offence from 2011.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he wanted the accused to take the driving test again, bearing in mind how long he would be off the road.