Highland hotel worker banned from driving and hit with hefty ban after second drink-drive offence

A Spanish hotel worker in Wester Ross enjoyed a meal and drinks in Inverness – but decided to drive the 66 miles back to his accommodation in Ullapool.

But Inverness Sheriff Court heard that as 34-year-old Jacobo Rodriguez of the Ceilidh Place, Ullapool approached the Maryburgh roundabout at excessive speed, he struck a road sign.

Police were informed and Rodriguez was breathalysed on October 14, 2023. His reading was 85mcgs of alcohol when the limit is 22mcgs. It was the second time he had been convicted of drink-driving.

He admitted the offence when he appeared before Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald.

Defence solicitor advocate Clare Russell said: "He had been in Inverness for a meal, had alcohol and he says made a stupid decision to drive back to Ullapool, considering he had a previous conviction from five years ago."

Fining him £1040 and banning him from driving for two years, Sheriff Macdonald said: "It is a significant reading - four times or thereabouts the limit. It was a dangerous thing to do."