Speech was slurred when driver was stopped by police

Police were contacted by a motorist travelling behind a Volkswagen estate car in Alyth because of “the manner of its driving”.

The member of the public thought the Touareg driver was “under the influence of something,” Perth Sheriff Court was told.

And when officers traced Neil Moore’s car, parked in Meigle Road, his speech was slurred, his pupils were dilated and he was unsteady on his feet.

Depute fiscal Lisa Marshall explained that he was detained under the drugs act and taken to Dunfermline Police Station where a search of the vehicle revealed drugs paraphernalia.

At the police station, however, he needed to be taken to hospital in Kirkcaldy for medical assessment.

“At 6pm, he was required to provide a specimen of blood but refused to comply,” added the fiscal.

When later cautioned and charged, he replied: “I don’t trust doctors or police.”

Moore, a hotel manager, admitted failing to provide a blood sample at Victoria Hospital on January 13, 2021 - and it led to him being fined £900 and banned from driving for 12 months.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said the accused had “taken something” but had not realised the effect it had on him.

“He can’t offer an explanation for his refusal to comply.”

Imposing the hefty fine and ban, Sheriff Neil Bowie observed: “Clearly your intoxication was such it drew attention of other members of the public.”

Moore, of Chapel Brae, Braemar, is currently furloughed, the court heard.

He will pay the fine at £100 a month.