Highland League player caught driving over drink limit after police tipped off
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A HIGHLAND League footballer who has played for seven different clubs across the region has been shown the red card by a sheriff who handed him a year-long driving ban.
Scott Graham, of Borlum, Drumnadrochit, currently plays for Fort William but has also previously featured in the line-ups for Clachnacuddin, Brora Rangers, Nairn County, Strathspey Thistle, Buckie Thistle and Forres Mechanics.
He appeared from custody at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday where Sheriff Sara Matheson was told that police were looking out for the 34-year-old in response to an anonymous tip-off that the married father of one had been consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir told the court that Graham was stopped in his vehicle on October 4 between the Blar Mhor roundabout at Caol by Fort William and the B8006 junction to the town and he co-operated fully with police officers.
The court was told he had been heading to his home in Drumnadrochit when he was pulled over.
“He admitted that he had had a few drinks.” Mr Weir added.
Graham pleaded guilty to drink driving. A test gave a reading of 79mcgs of alcohol in his system when the limit is just 22mcgs.
Mr Weir said that Graham had another similar case pending from earlier in the year. That is expected to go to trial in March next year.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said his client was a fish farm worker in the Fort William area and had travelled to meet workmates.
“He was invited to a barbecue and drinks but can’t explain why he decided to return home to Drumnadrochit, rather than stay where he was,” he said. “It was an ill-judged decision which he bitterly regrets.”
As well as the driving ban Graham was also fined £300.
Sheriff Matheson also gave him permission to participate in a drink-driver rehabilitation scheme, which if he successfully completes, will earn him a three-month discount on the ban.
