A civil engineer who was caught drink driving after a Covid-related bust-up with his brother was banned from driving for 14 months yesterday.
Stuart Webster tried to drive home while he was almost four times over the limit after his brother refused to let him stay the night with a friend.
Webster, 25, was pulled over because he had been driving without any lights on shortly before 1am and officers realised he was under the influence.
He told Perth Sheriff Court that he decided to drive home because his brother did not want to break Covid rules by letting too many people stay in his home.
Fiscal depute Michael Sweeney said: “At 12.50 am the police observed the accused driving with no lights on. They indicated for him to pull over and he appeared under the influence.”
Webster, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, admitted driving with excess alcohol on various roads in Perth on September 20 and he was fined £600.
Solicitor Jamie Baxter, defending, said: “He had been out with friends and they had been drinking. He had not been intending to drive and had parked at his brother’s house in Perth.
“He returned with his friend at the end of the night to stay, but his brother was not happy about his friend staying at that time of night.
“His brother was concerned about issues around Covid and didn’t want non-family members staying. Mr Webster was frustrated.
“In a moment of madness on his behalf he decided to drive home to Bridge of Earn. He only drove a short distance, maybe a few hundred yards.”
Sheriff Derek Reekie said: “This was a high reading. You intended to drive a significant distance and it’s fortunate for everyone, including yourself, that you didn’t.
“The fact you didn’t have any lights on at 1 am is indicative of the impairment of your ability to drive.”
