Church of Scotland minister from Ross-shire banned for drink driving
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A Church of Scotland minister from Ross-shire has been banned from driving for two years after getting behind the wheel while over four times the drink-driving limit.
Donald MacSween (67) of Kiltearn Parish Church had been suffering from depression at the time of the offence Inverness Sheriff Court heard.
He had turned to alcohol in a bid to make himself feel better on December 28 last year.
He drove into a stationary vehicle with a completely deflated tyre which eventually came off the rim on the A832 road near Roskill farm, Munlochy.
MacSween, of Manse of Kiltearn, Swordale Road, Evanton, also drove into the opposing carriageway into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
When police stopped him he was found to have 89 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath - the legal limit being 22 micrograms.
The offences took place on Chapel Road, Evanton, and Cromarty Road to Braemore junction and Bridge Street, Avoch.
MacSween admitted dangerous driving and drink-driving when he appeared in court.
Fiscal depute Emma MacEwan said a witness saw MacSween get into his car, which already had a completely deflated tyre before driving off and hitting their parked vehicle at a slow speed.
Miss MacEwan said the witness said their vehicle was "rocked" by the impact.
She added: "A second witness saw the impact take place.
"He [MacSween} then drove off in the direction of the A9.
"The witness then called the police."
The court heard while carrying on his journey MacSween lost the front near side tyre of his vehicle while doing 15 to 35 miles per hour.
Police eventually stopped the car and carried out a roadside breath test.
Defence agent John MacColl said his client was a a serving Church of Scotland minister who was divorced.
He has been a minister for more than three decades with two grown-up children, Mr MacColl added.
The solicitor said: "He has been driving for many years.
"It is with considerable regret that he appears in court over these two offences.
"Mr MacSween wishes to apologise unreservedly for his conduct on that day.
"He'd been suffering from depression and had turned to alcohol to alleviate that depression."
Mr MacColl said his client was normally an "upstanding member of the community".
Sheriff Robert Frazer said he took into account that MacSween was a first time offender, his age and his considerable remorse at his actions.
However the sheriff noted that it was a "very high reading".
MacSween was disqualified from driving for two years and fined £1000 with a victim surcharge of £40.
If MacSween wants his licence back he must sit the extended driving test again.
