Disqualified motorist on 'thin ice' after being caught drink-driving on A9 in strath
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A disqualified driver who had recently served a jail sentence for a similar offence was told by a Sheriff he was 'on thin ice'.
Marek Konopka, of Wades Circle, Inverness served an eight month jail sentence in 2018 and banned from driving for 10 years having driven following two previous convictions for drunk driving.
The 51 year old appeared again at Inverness Sheriff Court earlier today and admitted being drunk in charge of his vehicle on the A9 between Dalwhinnie and Kincraig on July 11, 2020.
Konopka also pleaded guilty to his second driving while disqualified offence.
Sheriff Gary Aitken examined Konopko's prior convictions and told defence solicitor John MacColl that his client was 'on thin ice'.
Mr MacColl said: "He accepts that prison is the primary option for the court. But I am asking the court to defer for a social work report.
"I have an eloquent letter from his wife which provides information which I will ultimately expand upon if the court defers sentence."
Sheriff Aitken agreed to defer until September 16 for a report.
But he warned Konopko: "You should be under no illusions that these are serious charges particularly driving while disqualified relatively recently after serving a jail for the same thing.
"That may be the outcome here but not necessarily inevitable.
"You will be disqualified in the interim but you do not drive under any circumstances," the Sheriff added.
Konopko's bail was continued.
