Powerline worker was over drink-drive limit on A9
A wotker on the Beauly to Denny power line who admitted driving while marginally over the drink drive limit on the A9 has been banned from driving for three years.
Sheriff Andrew Miller heard Shaun Newton, (42), from Chesterfield Road, North Mansfield had a previous conviction for drink driving in 2009 when he was banned for 20 months.
Newton admitted driving at North Kessock on June 27, last year, with 45mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath -the legal limit is 35mcgs.
His solicitor Rory Gowans told Sheriff Miller he had been picking up material in his works van and was driving to work on the Beauly to Denny power line when he was stopped by police.
Mr Gowans told Dingwall Sheriff Court Newton had been at a retirement function the night before and had a meal.
"He didn’t think for a second he was over the limit.
"It’s a classic case of the morning after."
Mr Gowans asked the Sheriff to take into account the low reading.
Sheriff Miller said he had to take a serious view of the case.
"Albeit the reading was marginally above the statutory limit but you were disqualified in 2009 for 20 months for a similar offence.
"You don’t appear to have taken in the lesson of your previous disqualification."
Sheriff Miller also imposed a fine of £450.
