'Significant error of judgment' led to Ross-shire roundabout crash, driving ban and fine
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A PHONE call from a distressed girlfriend about a relative who had died suddenly prompted a Buckie man to get behind the wheel and drive to support her.
But 44-year-old telecoms company owner Robert Campbell of Commerce Street crashed his Mazda car at Ardullie roundabout near Dingwall on the night of February 16 this year.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that police were called and breathalysed Campbell who was almost three times the legal drink drive limit.
His reading was 63mcgs of alcohol when the limit is 22mcgs.
He pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, was disqualified from driving for three years and fined £1075. Campbell also admitted a previous conviction for failing to provide a breath specimen.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson told Sheriff Ian Cruickshank: "That evening, he was socialising with friends and his intention was not to drive. But his girlfriend phoned very upset having learnt of the death of a relative and he allowed himself to travel to support her.
"He runs a telecoms business and drives 30,000 to 40,000 miles a year to carry out his work. He will now have to try and find someone to assist him with travel and his income will drop by perhaps two thirds.
"This was a significant error of judgement." Mr Dickson added.
Sheriff Cruickshank certified Campbell as suitable for the drink-drive rehabilitation course which will earn him a nine month discount in his ban if he successfully completes it.
