An engineer has been banned from driving for 18 months despite a personal plea from Scotland’s top butcher.
Simon Howie told a court banning Scott Thomson for drink-driving would have a negative impact on his business because he was such a valued staff member.
Mr Howie, managing director of the firm that supplies leading supermarket chains and top hotels such as Gleneagles, told how Thomson had improved his business.
He said: “Scott has single-handedly raised the standard of our factory throughout due to his unique ability to diagnose engineering faults and have them dealt with quickly.
“I would ask that the court look at an alternative to a driving ban.”
But Sheriff Fiona Tait rejected the plea and banned Thomson for 18 months on Tuesday, after being told he drove home 300 yards from the pub after downing vodka and lager.
Thomson, 51, of Craig-royston Road, Scone, was also fined £600, after he admitted driving while twice the legal limit which is 35 mics in Scone on May 1.
Victoria Stronach, defending, said: “He had gone for a drink after work and had driven home about 300 yards from the bar.”
Depute fiscal Tina Dickie told the court that when Thomson was pulled over he smelled strongly of alcohol and his speech was slurred when officers spoke to him.