Nwicker60
15-Jun-13, 08:24
Nightmare actions could have cost lives says sheriff
A SHERIFF deplored a teenage learner driver’s actions in getting behind the wheel with excess alcohol which he said could potentially have had serious, if not fatal consequences.
Sheriff Andrew Berry described the situation as “the stuff of nightmares”.
Seventeen-year-old Darren Banks admitted at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday, having driven with excess alcohol. He was breathalysed in Janet Street, Thurso, on May 18. Further tests revealed a breath-alcohol level of 53 mgs –the legal limit is 35mgs.
The court was told that Banks, of 76 Duncan Street, Thurso, was not long left school and held only a provisional driving licence. The car belongs to his mother.
Solicitor Neil Wilson said that the accused had been out socialising and had foolishly agreed to run some of his friends home.
Mr Wilson added that the first offender, who had secured an apprenticeship, was ashamed of his behaviour.
Sheriff Berry said that a lot of people had lost friends and relatives as a consequence of inappropriate behaviour of varying descriptions.
The sheriff continued: “ What we have here someone who didn’t have a full driving licence and was driving a car at 3.30am with three passengers, a recipe for death and destruction that could have affected any number of people”.
On the credit side, Banks was a first offender and had tendered an early plea, said the sheriff, adding that it could be assumed that such behaviour would never be repeated.
Sheriff Berry said that doubtless the driving authorities would take “a close interest” when the accused applies to sit his test.
Banks was fined £332 and disqualified him from driving for a year.
A SHERIFF deplored a teenage learner driver’s actions in getting behind the wheel with excess alcohol which he said could potentially have had serious, if not fatal consequences.
Sheriff Andrew Berry described the situation as “the stuff of nightmares”.
Seventeen-year-old Darren Banks admitted at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday, having driven with excess alcohol. He was breathalysed in Janet Street, Thurso, on May 18. Further tests revealed a breath-alcohol level of 53 mgs –the legal limit is 35mgs.
The court was told that Banks, of 76 Duncan Street, Thurso, was not long left school and held only a provisional driving licence. The car belongs to his mother.
Solicitor Neil Wilson said that the accused had been out socialising and had foolishly agreed to run some of his friends home.
Mr Wilson added that the first offender, who had secured an apprenticeship, was ashamed of his behaviour.
Sheriff Berry said that a lot of people had lost friends and relatives as a consequence of inappropriate behaviour of varying descriptions.
The sheriff continued: “ What we have here someone who didn’t have a full driving licence and was driving a car at 3.30am with three passengers, a recipe for death and destruction that could have affected any number of people”.
On the credit side, Banks was a first offender and had tendered an early plea, said the sheriff, adding that it could be assumed that such behaviour would never be repeated.
Sheriff Berry said that doubtless the driving authorities would take “a close interest” when the accused applies to sit his test.
Banks was fined £332 and disqualified him from driving for a year.