Ross-shire man who smashed sister's car under influence feels 'remorse, shame and regret', Highland court told
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An Easter Ross man who smashed his sister's car while under the influence of 20 valium tablets was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid community work.
Michael Bradshaw, aged 31, formerly of Station Road, Munlochy but who has now moved to Muir of Ord, the court was told, admitted driving dangerously and while unfit through drink or drugs.
He was also banned from driving for a year and must resit the extended test of competency before getting his licence back.
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Bradshaw had driven the vehicle from Beauly to Inverness and fiscal depute Shamilah Ghafar told Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that he was seen to be driving erratically and mounting roadside banks about a mile from Clachnaharry on September 23 this year.
"He stopped at the traffic lights into Clachnaharry and reversed into another car behind him before abandoning the car and making off towards the Merkinch Nature Reserve.
"He was traced to the canal tow path and he told police he had consumed 20 valium tablets. He had to be taken to hospital for treatment."
Sentence had been deferred previously for a background report and defence solicitor Willie Young said: "In the report, he has expressed remorse and shame and regrets having taken his sister's car.
"He has had addiction issues for a considerable period but there are encouraging signs from the drug treatment and testing order he is currently on."
