Ciggie run earns driver a fine

Aug 19 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AN early morning car trip for cigarettes proved expensive for Perth man Benjamin Summers.

He was caught driving with twice the legal alcohol limit, and fined £500 and banned for 12 months at Perth Sheriff Court.

Summers (24), of Methven Buildings, New Row, pled guilty to the offence which took place in Edinburgh Road and Glenearn Road on July 26.

The court heard Summers had gone to the service station at 1.30am to purchase cigarettes.

Staff thought he had been drinking and contacted police. They traced the car to his home and it had clearly recently been driven.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said that the accused had been out drinking earlier that evening – without his car.

After he got back home, however, he decided to drive a mile or so for cigarettes.

Sheriff Michael Fletcher gave him a chance to attend the Vernon Manfield Drink/Drive course.

If he completes that successfully, he will get his disqualification cut by three months.