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Wester Ross drink-driver dodges jail after fourth offence





Sheriff David Harvie said: "It appears you are not getting the message. Comments like 'I never hurt anyone' is a matter of luck and not design."
Sheriff David Harvie said: "It appears you are not getting the message. Comments like 'I never hurt anyone' is a matter of luck and not design."

A 60-year-old Wester Ross man who drove while drunk for the fourth time has escaped a jail sentence.


But Paul Louis of Martincroft, Laide was given a restriction of liberty order as an alternative whereby he must wear an electronic tag and remain in his remote home between 8pm and 8am for the next four months.

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Sheriff David Harvie also disqualified him from driving for four months at Inverness Sheriff Court after Louis admitted driving near Gairloch on the A832 on July 8, 2023 with excess alcohol.


His reading was 67mcgs when the maximum is 22mcgs of alcohol in breath. Sheriff Harvie expressed his concern about comments made by Louis in a background report which had previously been called for.


He said: "Your attitude to alcohol is very concerning. You have numerous previous convictions for driving while under the influence and you have in the past been disqualified for as much as three years and here you go again.


"It appears you are not getting the message. Comments like 'I never hurt anyone' is a matter of luck and not design."


Defence solicitor Rory Gowans had asked the sheriff not to jail his client.
"His record is poor particularly for this type of offence. It is the fourth time he has been caught and custody is an option. But he is terrified of that option."


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