Motorist caught six times drinks limit could face jail term

A man was caught in a car with the engine running while more than six times the drink-driving limit.

Now he faces a lengthy driving ban and the prospect of his 2002 Toyota Yaris hatchback being forfeited.

Thirty-one-year-old Scott Tulloch, of Ochil Place, Crieff, appeared from custody at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday last week.

He admitted that earlier that day in Corlundy Crescent, Crieff, he was in charge of a car with 144 microgrammes of alcohol on his breath. The limit is 22.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the car belongs to Tulloch’s partner’s grandfather and is worth about £1000.

Solicitor Billy Sommerville said it was worth £500 and Tulloch used it to travel back and forward to his work in Perth.

If the vehicle was seized that would cause his client difficulties.

Sheriff Gillian Wade pointed out Tulloch has previous convictions for driving dangerously and drink-driving.

She called for reports but warned him: “That doesn’t preclude a period of imprisonment, given the reading.”

She granted a Crown motion for seizure of the vehicle and disqualified him from driving meantime. He was freed on bail.

The Crown is expected to table a motion for the forfeiture of the car when Tulloch returns to court for sentence on January 27.