Skipper facing drinks charge

Accused alleged to have been over limit in port

A BANFFSHIRE skipper has been accused of being over the drinks limit. - while his boat was in port.
David Addison pleaded not guilty at Wick Sheriff Court today and will stand trial on August 6.
The 51-year-old was charged under the Railways and Transport Act of 2003 and is alleged to have been the professional master on board the Banff registered Discovery, at Scrabster harbour on April 7, with a breath-alcohol level of 64 micrograms -the limit is 35.
Addison was not represented when he first appeared in the dock and Sheriff Andrew Berry said as such cases were uncommon, he would adjourn briefly to check on the appropriate statute with a view to advising the accused.
Sheriff Berry then adjourned again to allow Addison, of 11 Victoria Street, Cullen, to consult duty solicitor, Fiona MacDonald over the lunchtime and, when the court recovened in the afternoon, she tendered the not guilty plea, on his behalf.