Drink-driver ‘shocked’ by positive test

Apr 28 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

KENNETH Johnston (49) admitted driving a car in St Boswells Place, Perth, on March 29 with 68mics of alcohol on his breath – the legal limit is 35mics – when he appeared at Perth Sheriff Court.

The court was told by depute fiscal Charmaine Cole that the offence came to light on a Sunday afternoon when police received a phone call about a possible drunk-driver.

When Johnston was stopped near his home at about 4.45pm he gave a positive breath sample, and a further reading taken at Perth Police Station returned a reading of 68mics, almost double the legal limit.

Mr Johnston’s solicitor said his client had been shocked that he had been tested positive. Johnston, had been out drinking the night before, but had only had one pint of lager on the Sunday afternoon.

“He has shown remorse and is ashamed to find himself before the court,” added Johnston’s agent.

Sheriff Margaret Gimblett fined Johnston £265 and banned him for a year, which will be reduced by three months if he completes a course for drink-drivers at his own expense.