Prescription drugs made man’s driving ‘frightening’

A Perthshire man has one “last chance” to explain why he drove while unfit through drugs.

Victor Abrecht Von Werra, 61, of Drummond Street, Comrie, had previously claimed that despite taking a cocktail of prescribed drugs, including diazepam, methadone and the powerful painkiller tramadol, he had been passed fit to drive by both his GP and the DVLA.

Perth Sheriff Court previously heard Von Werra’s driving had been described as “frightening” by a witness and police were so concerned by his demeanour they arrested him.

Sheriff Kenneth McGowan had found him guilty after trial of driving his 2.8-litre BMW while unfit through drugs on December 5 2012 on the A85 Crieff to Comrie road.

On Monday, Von Werra, who defended himself, told the court the DVLA “were aware” of the medication he was taking.

Sheriff McGowan said what he told him in court was “no assistance” to him, adding: “You’d be advised to seek legal advice from a solicitor who specialises in road traffic matters.”

Sentence was deferred until May 12.