Ex-soldier banned after driving when almost five times limit

court: ‘Second moment of madness within 10 years’ after Army reunion

An ex-soldier who drove off from a military reunion without putting his headlights on was found to be nearly five times over the alcohol limit when he was stopped by police.

Ian Scott, 52, was banned from driving for three years yesterday after a court heard it was his second offence. He was also fined £800.

Depute fiscal Michael Sweeney told Perth Sheriff Court: “At around 3am the police were on mobile patrol. The accused’s vehicle came to their attention.

“The officers noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused.”

Landscape gardener Scott, of Craighall Place, Rattray, admitted driving his Ford Focus with excess alcohol (103 mics) in Dundee Road, Perth, on May 18.

Solicitor Jamie Baxter, defending, said: “This was just stupidity on his behalf.

“He had been through in Perth to stay with a former Army friend.

“A reunion was planned that evening and he met a group of fellow former soldiers he had not seen for a considerable number of years.

“He had no intention of driving back. Unfortunately, his friend’s girlfriend – who had been with them – had been unable to get a taxi home and he was the one who had a vehicle.

“In a moment of madness he decided to drive her home but he did not get far at all. He had not put his lights on.

“He had just started driving and was stopped because his lights were not on. He accepts he should not have done this.”

Sheriff Derek Reekie noted Scott’s previous drink driving conviction and said: “I’m told this was a moment of madness, but unfortunately for you it was a second moment of madness within 10 years.

“The first thing you would do when you get in the car at 3am if you were compos mentis is put the lights on, but the fact you didn’t seems to speak of the condition you were in.”

In a moment of madness he decided to drive her home but he did not get far at all