Councillor suspended over court case

The Scottish Conservative party has suspended a Perth councillor who is accused of driving while almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

Audrey Coates, whose husband also represents the Conservatives on Perth and Kinross Council, had her case continued without plea to July 2.

Councillor Coates did not appear in person at Perth Sheriff Court last Friday but was represented by lawyer Pauline Cullerton.

The 65-year-old, of Cornhill Road, whose name was given as Audrey Fenton, is alleged to have driven a car while over the limit in Perth’s Longcauseway, Jeanfield Road and Cornhill Road on September 26, 2020.

The level of alcohol in her urine is said to have been 177 milligrammes. The maximum allowed is 67 milligrammes.

The councillor, who was elected to the Perth City South Ward following a by-election in November, 2017, also faces a second charge of driving without insurance.

A Tory party spokesperson confirmed Councillor Coates had been suspended at national and local level, pending the outcome of the case.

Councillor Murray Lyle, leader of the local authority’s Tory administration, said:“I have acted to suspend Councillor Audrey Coates, pending the outcome of any court process.

“It is important that the legal process is carried out as quickly as possible and I will await the decision of the Sheriff Court before making any further comment.”

Mr Lyle added:“Councillor Coates has also been suspended from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, also pending the outcome of the court process.”

Perth and Kinross Council declined to comment.