Drive ban for radio’s Naughtie
BBC presenter James Naughtie has been banned from the road after being caught drink-driving.
Naughtie, 69, was spotted getting into his car by pub staff after stopping off for a glass of wine at a bar in Edinburgh.
The award-winning Scottish journalist was traced to his nearby home by police.
He had 35mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.The legal limit is 22mg.
The retired Radio 4 news anchor appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Tuesday under his full name of Alexander James Naughtie where he pleaded guilty.
Prosecutor Ross Price said: “Around 3pm in the afternoon the accused left Bennets Bar and a member of staff saw him getting into his vehicle and called police.
“Officers made inquiries and attended at the accused’s home address at 3.17pm and breathalysed him.”
Solicitor Sean Flanagan, defending, said his client had been driving to his Edinburgh home and decided to stop off “for one glass of wine”.
Naughtie had only driven “a relatively short distance” and had cooperated fully with police.
Sheriff Peter McCormack fined Naughtie £500 and banned him from driving for 12 months.
The sheriff said he would be allowed to take part in a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme which, if passed, would reduce his road ban by three months.
Naughtie was one of the main presenters of Radio 4’s Today programme from 1994 to 2015.
The father of three continues to appear as a special correspondent. He also holds the position of BBC News books editor.