Driver Faces Fine and Ban After High Drug Driving Offence

Alistair Inkster, a 57-year-old resident of Hamnavoe, has been fined and disqualified from driving after pleading guilty to drug driving at Lerwick Sheriff Court on March 20, 2023. Inkster was stopped by police on December 14, 2022, while driving between a local shop and his home.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Inkster had a blood reading of “not less than” 574 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine. This reading is significantly above the legal limit of 50 microgrammes per litre of blood, indicating a serious violation of driving laws.

Inkster’s defence solicitor, Tommy Allan, argued that his client had used cocaine two days prior and believed he would be fit to drive. Despite this explanation, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank remarked on the severity of Inkster’s blood alcohol level, stating it was “a very high reading against what is regarded as the legal limit.”

As a result of his actions, Inkster received a driving ban of one year and was fined £1,000, along with a £40 victim surcharge, which is to be paid within one month.

This case underscores the strict measures in place to deter drug driving, which poses significant risks to road safety. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible driving, particularly when it comes to substance use.