A north-east businessman has been banned from the roads after being caught driving at more than twice the drink-drive limit.
Ian Macdonald appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted to being behind the wheel after drinking alcohol on the High Street in Strichen on May 23.
The court heard he had been encountering problems with his family life at home at the time of the offence.
When he was breathalysed his reading stated he had 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 22mg.
Defence agent Carrie Stevens said Macdonald, of Church Street, New Pitsligo, was stopped by police as he drove through the village.
She said: “The police were called to attend at High Street, Strichen.
“They stopped the vehicle and carried out the breathalyser procedure.
“A reading of 54 microgrammes was given.”
Defence agent Graeme Murray said driving was a vital part of his client’s business as he travelled to all over Scotland looking for job opportunities for his company Diamond Drilling.
He said: “Mr Macdonald is 56-years-old and is the sole director of a specialist construction company.
“He is the person who finds work for the company by driving around building sites across the country. He has nine employees relying on him.
“He has been driving for over 40 years.”
Mr Murray said Macdonald was going through a tough period in his in life as he battled ill health and that he “regrets” his decision to get behind the wheel of his Jaguar.
He said: “Mr Macdonald and his wife have been having a difficult time. He has endured two heart attacks and a triple bypass. Their son also has a drug problem.
“On the day in question he had gone home and then decided to go for a drive in his car.
“He hadn’t eaten since breakfast and went to see his friend who is a publican in Strichen.
“He had two-and-a-half pints over a two hour period. He was substantially over the new limit and he very much regrets it.”
Sheriff Christine McCrossan banned Macdonald from driving for 12 months and fined him £400.