“Necessity” defence lodged in Highland drink driving case

A lawyer yesterday lodged a rare special defence of “necessity” as to why his client was driving on a north road while over the alcohol limit.

At Fort William Sheriff Court yesterday, defence lawyer Hamish Melrose pleaded not guilty on behalf of 35-year-old Emma Norval, of Camaghael Road in Caol, and trial was set for April 24.

Asking Sheriff Bill Taylor for time to prepare his unusual case the lawyer said: “An incident of domestic abuse took place in the lead-up to this lady driving.”

Norval is accused of driving in Kilmallie Road, Caol, last October 30 with a breath-alcohol count almost three times the limit.