'Drugs and cars do not mix' warns sheriff as he fines Highlander
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A motorist was warned another conviction for driving while under the influence would result in a jail sentence.
Groundworker Jay Steele, of Tor Gorm Road, North Kessock appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted driving with 6.1 mcgs of a cannabis metabolyte in his system when the safe limit is 2 mcgs.
Sheriff Gary Aitken heard that police were on mobile patrol in the village at about 9pm on March 21 when they stopped his vehicle for a routine check.
Fiscal depute Adele Gray said: "He had reddening eyes and the car smelled strongly of cannabis. A saliva sample proved positive for cannabis."
Defence solicitor Ken Ferguson told the sheriff that his client had an analogous conviction and he warned him another would mean a prison sentence was likely.
"He assures me there will be no repetition," Mr Ferguson added.
Fining the 24-year-old £1040 and banning him from driving for three years, Sheriff Aitken said: "You shouldn't be taking drugs in the first place and they certainly do not mix with cars. Mr Ferguson is quite right when he says a prison sentence is likely if there is another offence."
