Driver was four times limit

Police responded to an anonymous tip-off that a car was“being driven all over the road”in Perth city centre last Hallowe’en.

They traced a Mazda hatchback, which was missing its front, nearside tyre - and the driver was smelling strongly of alcohol, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

Sixty-three-year-old Jennette Findlay then failed a roadside breathalyser - and subsequent tests showed she had been behind the wheel with more than four times the legal booze limit.

Sheriff Neil Bowie said it was concerning that she was either unaware of the missing tyre- or had chosen to drive having lost it.

And he added:“It indicates a level of intoxication which is a matter of grave concern.”

She was fined £800 and banned for two years after admitting driving with 79 microgrammes of alcohol on her breath the legal limit is 22 - in Perth’s Riggs Road, near its junction with Jeanfield Road, on October 31, 2020.

When traced, the accused said she had a “problem”with her car.

After giving a positive breath test, she was taken to police headquarters where a reading of 79 microgrammes was given at 8.20pm.

Solicitor David Holmes told the court:“She’s extremely sorry for her actions and wishes to apologise to everyone involved.”

She had not planned to drive but had lost her mobile and was unable to phone a taxi to take her to the bus to get home.

“This was an isolated incident. She’s never been in any previous trouble.

“She’s at pains to point out this will never happen again.”

Pointing out it was a high reading, Sheriff Bowie added:“It’s necessary to impose a significant period of disqualification.”

But he backdated it to November 20 last year when an interim ban was imposed.

Hindley, of Oakfield Street, Kelty, will pay the fine at £60 a month.