Drink driver had powerful firearm in boot of crashed car

Police officers found a rifle case containing a weapon in the open boot of a car at the scene of a Perthshire accident.

The powerful air rifle and ammunition belonged to security guard James Garrett, who had crashed while heavily under the influence of alcohol.

The 52-year-old was on his way to work, but it emerged he had consumed enough drink prior to driving that hours later he was still almost five-and-ahalf times the legal limit.

Depute fiscal Nicola Gillespie said: “Police officers found that Mr Garret’s boot had popped open during the accident and they could see a rifle case within the open boot.

“Inside was an air weapon, which he did not have a licence to use in Scotland. They also discovered a number of pellets.”

Solicitor Paul Ralph said his client had been on his way to begin a nightshift role as a security guard when events overtook him.

“Understandably he lost his employment as a result of this incident,” the agent said.

Garret, 52, of Heol Hyfryd, Wrexham, admitted driving with excess alcohol (118 mics) on the A984 road, near to Bendochy, on April 17. The limit is 22 mics.

He also admitted being in possession of a Gamo air rifle without holding an air weapon certificate.

Sheriff Gillian Wade told him: “Clearly the most important factors are the very high level of alcohol in your system and your previous conviction for drink driving – albeit that was more than ten years ago.

“You will have to face up to a significant period of disqualification.”

Garret was banned from the road for 28 months and fined a total of £600.