Inverness apprentice joiner caught drink driving when going to see a friend
An apprentice joiner who was feeling low decided to drive to chat with a friend although he had been drinking earlier in the day.
But 23-year-old Samuel Anderson, of Birchwood Terrace, Inverness misjudged how long it would take for the alcohol to leave his system on the evening of November 26 last year.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that police pulled his BMW over on the B9006 at Culloden Moor and a breath test proved positive.
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Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald was told that a subsequent blood test revealed Anderson was just over the drink-driving limit with 87mgs of alcohol when the limit is 50mgs.
Defending, Willie Young said: "He had lost his previous job, was feeling low and agreed to meet a friend. He only drove a short distance. It was an error of judgement but this has been a salutary experience for him."
Anderson was fined £580 and banned from driving for a year. However, the sheriff certified him as suitable for a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if he completes it, will earn him a three-month discount on his ban.
