Driver was almost three times legal limit

Offshore worker drank after hearing of helicopter tragedy

AN offshore worker took some drink after the shock of hearing of the Shetland helicopter disaster, on his arrival home.
However, David Durrand, 39, consumed more than he had intended and when he drove, the following morning, he was stopped by the police who discovered he was almost three times the legal limit, Wick Sheriff Court was told today.
Durrand admitted having driven with excess alcohol in Janet Street, Thurso, on August 24. He was fined £1000 and banned for 16 months.
Sheriff Andrew Berry was told that Durrand’s two young children were also in the car when he was stopped by police.
A test revealed a breath-alcohol reading of 103 mgs, the legal limit is 35mgs. Durrand, of 15 Grant Avenue, Thurso, has a record and was currently said to be on bail from Aberdeen Sheriff Court on a similar charge.
Solicitor Alex Burn said that Durrand had learned of the unfortunate Super Puma helicopter disaster on his return home. The children were in bed and the accused had taken some drink but thought he would be okay to drive next day.
Mr Burn added: “He is thoroughly ashamed of himself.”
Social worker Alan Easton spoke to Durrand after a request from the sheriff who wanted to be sure there were no underlying issues.
Mr Easton told the court: “The accused got an e-mail from a colleague informing him of the helicopter tragedy. He decided to sit down with a drink and think about things and his future with his children and consumed more than he realised. The following morning, he took the children down town for sweets thinking he was okay to drive.”
Sheriff Berry commented on Easton’s “very high reading” but added he was satisfied there were no underlying issues.