A man found slumped at the wheel at the side of the A90 told police he was tired – because he’d been up all night doing cocaine.
Matthew Milward caught the attention of police officers on patrol when they saw him pulled over at the side of the A90 near Laurencekirk.
When the officers went to check if the 42-year-old was alright, he told them he was just tired.
However, he added that the reason he was tired was because he hadn’t slept the previous evening due to taking cocaine.
Fiscal depute Georgia Laird told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 3.30pm on December 6 2020.
‘You’re old enough to know better’
She said: “Police were on patrol in a marked police car and observed the vehicle stopped at the side of the A90.
“The accused was slumped at the wheel with the engine running.
“Officers asked if he was okay.
“He stated he was tired due to getting no sleep after taking cocaine the evening before.
“He was unsteady on his feet and struggling to hold a conversation.”
Saliva and blood tests then returned positive results for cocaine.
Officers also searched Milward’s vehicle and found a knuckleduster inside.
Milward, of Newton Steading, Avoch, pled guilty to driving with 77 microgrammes of cocaine per litre of blood. The legal limit is 10 microgrammes.
He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon.
Defence agent Josey Donachie told the court her client was “remorseful” for his actions.
Sheriff Margaret Hodge told Milward: “You’re old enough to know better.
“I note you have taken steps to deal with your issues.”
She fined him £1,115 and banned him from driving for a year.
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen as well as crime and breaking incidents, join our Facebook group.