Drink driver fined after hitting wall

A Dunblane woman drove her car into a wall while three times over the drinkdrive limit.

Lorraine Kelso was arrested by police in Perth Road, Dunblane, on May 15.

The 54-year-old, of Rylands Avenue, appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court for sentencing on Wednesday.

She had previously pleaded guilty on her first appearance to a charge of driving while consuming so much alcohol that she was over the limit.

Kelso returned a reading of 68mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when she was tested by police. The legal limit is 22mcg.

The court heard that the incident had occurred at around 9.20am, when police received a call about a road traffic collision.

“The accused had been travelling south of the locus, but lost control of the vehicle, striking a garden wall,” said fiscal depute Adrian Fraser.

“Following the collision, the vehicle came to rest and the accused was in the driver’s seat.”

Kelso was driving a courtesy car as her normal vehicle was in for repair. She was breathalysed by police and subsequently arrested.

Defending, Alastair Ross said a report requested by the report showed the difficulties his client had with alcohol and identified psychiatric issues.

The court heard that Kelso was a first offender and Sheriff Wyllie Robertson said it was up to the accused to sort herself out.

“It is up to you to address your alcohol problem,” he said. “I am not going to use the resources of the social work department for something that is up to you to address.”

The Sheriff added that Kelso would have to continue addressing her alcohol problem, or the outlook was bleak. Fining her £600 and banning her from driving for 16 months, he continued: “Having a regard to the amount you are spending on alcohol, you can spend part of that paying your fine.”