Drink-driver fined and banned

An Angus lockdown drinkdriver has been put off the road after admitting a morning-after offence.

Gordon Keir was stopped by police on his way to work as a contract cleaner in the role which was keeping him busy for more than 60 hours a week during the pandemic.

Keir represented himself at Forfar Sheriff Court where he appeared before Sheriff Derek Reekie and admitted driving with excess alcohol in Victoria Street, Monifieth, on May 25.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said police saw the accused driving in the early hours and pulled him over.

“Police had information regarding his drinking habits and he provided a positive roadside test,” added the fiscal.

Keir was taken to police headquarters where he gave a reading of 46 microgrammes, just over twice the legal limit of 22.

The accused told the court: “This was during lockdown and I picked up a lot of extra work, I was working 66 hours a week.

“Saturday and Sunday were the two days I self-isolated. On the Sunday I miscalculated how much I had.

“Because I picked up the extra hours I was on my way to work. I was starting at 4.30 in the morning and finishing at 8.30 in the evening.”

Keir, of Panmure Street, Monifeith said the loss of his licence would “impact immensely” on his employment.

“I am going to have to find a job that I can get to either by public transport or by walking,” he said.

Keir was fined £400 and disqualified for a year.