Highland councillor avoids driving ban after admitting careless driving charge at Inverness Sheriff Court

A HIGHLAND councillor kept his driving licence when he appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted careless driving.

Roderick MacLeod, also known as Derek, represents the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward and lives at Lonemore, Gairloch.

Sheriff Margaret Neilson was told that MacLeod was originally charged with dangerous driving which carries a mandatory one-year driving ban.

But he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving.

The court heard that the 69-year-old retired chartered engineer had been driving on the A832 near Corriemollie when he overtook a car. However another vehicle was coming in the opposite direction and had to mount the verge to avoid a head-on collision.

Police later traced the councillor who confirmed he was the driver.

Defence solicitor Neil Wilson said his client had immediately accepted he had done something wrong.

He added: “It is accepted this offence is at the higher end of the careless driving scale. He needs his licence as he is a local councillor and drives 500-600 miles a month.”

Sheriff Neilson fined MacLeod £520 and endorsed his licence with nine penalty points.