An Arbroath teenager’s Royal Navy dream was sunk after he was found by police slumped in the driver’s seat of a crashed car while more than four times the drink-drive limit.
Lewis William Swankie, 19, of Grimsby Place, admitted at Forfar Sheriff Court that on April 18 at Smithy Croft, Arbroath, he drove a car with excess alcohol (95 mics).
Depute fiscal Hannah Kennedy said police on mobile patrol spotted the damaged vehicle in the cul-de-sac at 2.30am.
“The vehicle was accident damaged and the accused was found in the driver’s seat,” she said.
“The engine was still running and the keys were in the ignition. The officers smelled alcohol and Swankie failed a roadside breathalyser test.
“He was then taken to Arbroath police office.”
Defence agent Billy Rennie said Swankie had been out with friends celebrating news that he had been admitted to the navy.
“He was drinking heavily, beyond his normal intake,” he said.
“He had his car earlier in the evening but the intention was for it to be left.”
Mr Rennie added that Swankie’s navy career was now in doubt.
“He is over (the drink drive limit) by a considerable amount and he knows there will have to be a disqualification period,” he added.
“He will not be able to enter the navy until his period of disqualification expires.
“It’s a blow for him as it’s something he’s wanted to do for some time.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio fined Swankie £400 and disqualified him from driving or holding a licence for 10 months.