'Error of judgement' drink-driver found near abandoned vehicle at Tore on Black Isle had consumed six cans of lager, Highland court hears

Police found a suspected drunk-driver near his vehicle which had been abandoned in a field near Tore.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told that 35-year-old Paul Henderson of Oakfield Crescent, Bowburn, Durham, had consumed six cans of lager with friends.

But he decided to drive to where he was staying in Helmsdale on August 15, 2020, only for police to be informed by people concerned for his safety.

When officers found him near Tore, a later breath test revealed he was double the drink drive limit. His reading was 44mcgs of alcohol when the limit is 22mcgs.

He admitted driving with excess alcohol and was fined £420. He was also disqualified for a year.

Defence solicitor John MacColl said: "He made an error of judgement."