A former racing driver and car dealer has been banned from the road after being caught drink-driving after a work night out.
Businessman Norman Dickson was more than three times over the limit after downing wine bought for him by members of his staff, the court heard.
Dickson, who has been synonymous with Dicksons of Perth motor group for several decades, was disqualified from driving for a year.
Dickson was also fined £500 and given the chance to complete a drink-drive rehabilitation course when he appeared at Perth Sheriff Court.
He admitted driving on the A9 on the outskirts of Perth on November 28 while over the legal alcohol limit (71/22 mics).
Depute fiscal Mairi Graham told Perth Sheriff Court: “The accused was observed leaving The Glover Arms car park by police officers at 8.34pm.
“They saw him leave and then travel on to the bypass where he was stopped on the slip road. The accused was traced in the driver’s seat.
“He stated that he had consumed two glasses of wine and had consumed his last alcoholic drink 30 minutes prior to being stopped.
“The officers recovered a till receipt from The Glover Arms.
“He provided a positive specimen of breath and was conveyed to Perth police station. He was released later when he was sober.”
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton told the court: “He is 67 and the owner of a business in Perth. He does travel extensively by car because of his business and is aware he will be disqualified.
“He had been out with staff on 28 November and had been drinking non-alcoholic lager. He had been poured a couple of glasses of wine by members of staff and unfortunately succumbed to the offer to drink the wine.
“He was stopped shortly after leaving the premises and co-operated fully with the police.
“He is in a position to pay a fine.”
Sheriff Derek Reekie told Dickson: “You took a chance and the inevitable consequence is that you will be disqualified.
“If you had stuck to your original plan to drink non-alcoholic beer then you wouldn’t be here.
“Thanks to the vigilance of police you didn’t drive any great distance and cause more risk to other road users and yourself.”
Dickson competed in a number of series as a racing driver in the 1970s, including the European Formula 2 Championship in 1977, and won the sport’s Hitachi trophy in 1979. In 1980 Dickson managed two podium finishes in the Aurora AFX British F1 Championship before retiring to concentrate on running the family business.
