An Angus priest has expressed his shame to a court after being caught driving at almost three times the legal limit on a rural road.
Father Brian McLean, who preaches at St Fergus in Forfar and St Anthony’s, Kirriemuir, was beside his damaged vehicle when police came upon the car after an early-morning accident.
He gave a positive breathalyser reading after they detected a strong smell of alcohol.
McLean (60), of Glenogil Terrace, was held in the police cells at Forfar after his arrest before appearing from custody in the town last month at the first calling of the case.
On Friday he appeared on an accelerated diet before Sheriff Ian Anderson at Forfar and admitted driving on the B957 Kirriemuir to Brechin road on February 27 with excess alcohol (96 mics). The legal limit is 35.
Depute fiscal Hannah Kennedy said officers on a routine patrol at 3am saw McLean’s stationary red Volkswagen Golf and noted that it had sustained damage to its nearside front tyre and suspension.
She said, “He admitted he was the owner of the vehicle and advised them that he had been involved in a minor accident.
“Officers detected a strong smell of alcohol and he provided a positive roadside reading.”
McLean’s agent, Frank Gill, passed a letter from the accused’s superiors to the court and said his client was appearing in court with no previous convictions and a clean driving licence.’Deeply regrets his actions’Mr Gill said, “He is a man in a position of some responsibility in the local community.
“He deeply regrets his actions and wishes to apologise to the court.
“He is deeply ashamed and accepts full responsibility.”
The lawyer said the circumstances of the offence were “completely out of character,” adding that the inevitable period of disqualification will have consequences for not only the priest but others in the area.
Mr Gill said, “This will have an adverse effect on the community he serves.
“It will cause significant inconvenience to those willing to assist him often at antisocial times and weekends.”
He added, “He will not be able to perform all his duties as he would wish. That is a situation he has brought entirely on himself.”
McLean was banned from getting behind the wheel for 18 months and fined £150.
Sheriff Anderson gave the priest the opportunity to complete the drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course, which can reduce disqualification by four months.
Father McLean and the Catholic Church declined to comment on the case.