Driver was said to be‘incoherent’

A DRIVER with the Royal Engineers was found to be “incoherent” and later “staggered” from his car, as he drove carelessly in Scone.

Perth Sheriff Court yesterday heard how Ross Marshall’s car was “heard before it was seen” by four people due to the “excessive” revving of its engine.

Marshall (18), of Mansfield Road, Scone, had passengers in the vehicle as he was seen driving the car erratically.

Marshall admitted that on July 21 at Birch Avenue, Scone, he was unfit to drive through either drink or drugs.

He also pleaded guilty that on the same date and address he drove carelessly by driving erratically and at excessive speed in a built-up areas.

Marshall was f ined £1,000 and banned from driving for 16 months.

Depute fiscal John Malpass said: “Witnesses were concerned at the manner in which the car was being driven.

“Some people went into the street and some followed the car as it was being driven carelessly.”

The court heard witnesses thought Marshall had either taken alcohol or drugs when they smelt his breath and also due to his incoherent speech.

“One person removed the car keys from the ignition and the accused remonstrated with these people to get them back,” Mr Malpass added.

“The accused staggered off and later handed himself in to police.”

Solicitor Cliff Culley, defending, said that his client was a driver with the Royal Engineers and had been at the Rewind Festival in Scone the night before when he had drunk “excessively.”

“My client accepts the seriousness of this,” he said.

“He is remorseful and his family are shocked that he drove in that way.”