Lorry driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into Highland roudabout

An Evanton man who fell asleep at the wheel of his refrigerated lorry crashed onto a Black Isle roundabout, Inverness Sheriff Court was told.

Arash Khani of Swordale Road, admitted driving carelessly on the A9 at Tore on November 15 last year.

The 42 year old was fined £450 and had his licence endorsed with seven penalty points.

The court heard that the vehicle came to a stop after hitting the roundabout’s signage.

Defence solicitor Willie Young said: “Weather conditions were foul, with sleet and mist making it fairly hypnotic.

“He momentarily dropped off and when he came to, he was heading for the roundabout. He had no opportunity to take the roundabout safely but managed to control the vehicle to stop it toppling over.

“It is indeed fortunate that there was no other road users at the time as it was 3am.”