Aberfeldy man falls asleep at the wheel after boozy night out

An impromptu night out with friends almost ended in tragedy for a Highland Perthshire man.

Lepani Ragede fell asleep at the wheel as he drove home from Edinburgh. The 34-year-old hit a central reservation barrier on the M90, near Milnathort, and was discovered by police officers just before 4am.

Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable said: “Officers formed the view that the vehicle had left the road after colliding with a barrier.

“The car was near and the accused was within the car and he was asked to provide the necessary tests.”

Perth Sheriff Court heard how the incident caused “moderate” damage to the car and the barrier.

Ragede, of Tayside Crescent, Aberfeldy, admitted that on July 29 on the M90 Inverkeithing to Perth road, near Junction 7 at Milnathort, he drove with excess alcohol (51 mics). The legal limit is 35 mics in 100ml of breath.

He also admitted that on the same date at the same location, he drove without due care and attention by falling asleep at the wheel, losing control of the vehicle and hitting a barrier.

He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months and fined £400.