A PENSIONER got behind the wheel of his car while nearly three times the drink-driving limit — and knocked over a pedestrian on a busy Dundee street.
James Clark, 76, of Rodd Road, in the Maryfield area of the city, reversed his car into Margaret Ogilvie and knocked her to the ground, leaving her injured.
The incident happened on Arbroath Road.
Clark had sentence deferred at Dundee Sheriff Court after admitting two offences.
He admitted driving a car with excess alcohol (62mics), at Arbroath Road, on June 6.
He also admitted driving a car without due care and attention, at the same location and on the same date.
Clark committed the careless driving offence by reversing his vehicle when it was unsafe to do so and colliding with pedestrian Ms Ogilvie, knocking her to the ground and injuring her.
Clark will return to court for sentencing on October 5, after the case was deferred for background reports.
When approached by the Tele for comment, Clark declined to speak about the incident.
He said: “I don’t want to comment.
“The court case is over and done with and I am waiting for the sentencing. That’s it.”
Ms Ogilvie said she did not wish to discuss the incident, but told the Tele that she was relieved at Clark’s guilty plea.
She said: “I’m glad he pleaded guilty and I didn’t have to go into the court.”
Inspector Ray Cuthill, head of road policing in Tayside, said that actions like Clark’s could risk lives.
He said: “There are still a number of drivers who put both themselves and the lives of others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol, despite the many warnings that have been given on this matter.
“It is a proven fact that alcohol in your system can drastically impair your ability to drive. Anyone who has information regarding anyone who they suspect is driving, or is about to drive, having consumed alcohol or should contact the police.
“This can be by done by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.”
Scotland’s drink-driving limit was reduced in December 2014 from 35mics of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 22mics.
The move came into line with most other European countries, which have low alcohol limits, and was designed to try to save lives on the country’s roads.
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