Inverness man spared jail for driving while disqualified, as he is full-time carer for his child, but handed 16 year driving ban
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A disqualified driver who is a full-time carer for his son has been spared a jail sentence.
Inverness Sheriff Court was previously told that Marek Konopko (51), of Wades Circle, Inverness, had served an eight-month jail sentence in 2018 and was banned from driving for 10 years after two previous convictions for drink-driving.
Then police caught Konopko sitting in his car in a lay-by on the A9 between Dalwhinnie and Kincraig on July 11, 2020, where he had been drinking alcohol.
He admitted being drunk in charge of his vehicle and to his second driving while disqualified offence. Sentence had been deferred for a background report which was presented to Sheriff Gary Aitken.
The sheriff ordered a restriction of Konopko’s liberty for 20 weeks, during which he will have to remain in his home between 7pm and 7am and wear an electronic tag. He was also banned from driving for 16 years. The sheriff told him: “Breach this order and you will go to jail regardless of your family circumstances.”
Defence solicitor Rory Gowans asked the court not to jail his client because of his domestic situation.
He said: “While lockdown has been difficult for everyone, those who have to shield have been under more pressure. It was a very stressful period and he found it difficult to deal with.
“His wife is the main breadwinner in the house working night shifts and he is his son’s full-time carer. He knows he has let everybody down but if he is jailed it will cause significant difficulties at home.”
