Ex-sheriff convicted in his own court for driving while drunk

A FORMER sheriff who admitted driving while almost three times over the alcohol limit was handed a 12-month ban in his former court last week.

Richard Twining Sidgwick pleaded guilty in Fort William Sheriff Court to driving near his home in Spean Bridge with a breath alcohol level of 60 on May 11, 2016. The legal limit is 22mg.

The court heard Sidgwick, now 72, has battled alcoholism since he retired around 10 years ago and that it was his wife who raised the alarm on the day he was charged because she had become frustrated with his drinking habits.

Fiscal Alison Wyllie said: ‘It was his wife who spoke to his son and his son contacted the police. When he came home around 8 o’clock in the evening it was perfectly clear to his wife that he had been drinking. She had gotten to the end of her tether.’

During his professional career, Sidgwick, as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire, was invited to high-profile events.

Sidgwick had previously pleaded not guilty to driving with 110mg of alcohol in his system.

The court heard that, on the date of the incident, Sidgwick had been at an event in Badenoch, drove home and almost immediately consumed spirits. It was explained Sidgwick continued drinking over the course of the evening before the police had arrived at 9.50pm and the amended charge was accepted by the crown.

Charges of being in possession of a knife at Fort William police station and failing to identify the driver of the vehicle were also dismissed.

Speaking on behalf of Sidgwick, Hamish Melrose said: ‘He went into the house, consumed some more alcohol when it was brought to his attention by his wife that his dogs had escaped. Sidgwick believed he had more authority over the dogs than his wife and he made the decision to go and find them.’

Melrose continued that Sidgwick believed the dogs may be at a nearby campsite and drove half a mile there and half a mile back. Sidgwick returned to the house without the dogs, who were found some time later having destroyed some chickens. Sidgwick had gone into the conservatory of his house and drank some more.

Mr Melrose then explained to the court that the incident had made Sidgwick realise he had a problem, which the accused believed began after he retired prematurely on health grounds. He added Sidgwick has been treated for depression and alcoholism at Castle Craig Hospital and elsewhere for the past six weeks.

The solicitor asked Sheriff Jim Scott to take into consideration Sidgwick’s good record, age and clean licence when deciding on an appropriate way to resolve the case. Further, that a disqualification from driving would hinder Sidgwick’s treatment and daily life given that he lives in a rural area. He added: ‘Mr Sidgwick has significant savings, a financial penalty would not be a problem.’

In response, alongside the 12-month ban, the sheriff fined Sidgwick £ 300, reduced from £400 because of his guilty plea but stated if Sidgwick completes a drink- driving rehabilitation course, the disqualification could be reduced.