Drunk driver faces prison

A drunk motorist's driving was described as “shocking" by a sheriff who heard that he staggered out of a hotel and drove the wrong way on a dual carriageway.

SheriffMargaret Neilson then repeated her “shocking" comment when she read Brandon Richard's record of previous convictions – which showed he had been disqualified from driving a few weeks earlier.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard yesterday that 39-year-old Richards, of Kenn Road, Clevedon, Somerset, was too drunk to take a breath test.

Now Richards, who admitted driving dangerously, while disqualified and also while unfit through drink, faces jail whenhe returns to court for sentencing on September 22.

Fiscal depute David Morton told the court

“It’s a shocking record and piece of driving”

that Richards was seen on CCTV staggering in the car park at the Stoneyfield Travelodge getting into a VW van late at night on March 5.

“An anonymous call was then received by Police Scotland. He was seenbyawitness driving the wrong way up the dual carriageway in a northerly direction on the southbound carriageway.

“The driver had to take evasive action.

“Luckily the road was very quiet at that time.

“Richards then proceeded on to a sliproad at the Raigmore Interchange where he joined the correct lane and drove towards North K es sock and was stopped by police. He was a disqualified driver and not due to get his licence back until 2018."

Sheriff Neilson said: “He has a shocking record and it’s a shocking piece of driving.”