Teenager towed car while drunk

Man admits driving while more than twice legal limit

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AN ANGUS teenager who tried to tow his broken-down car by pulling it on a rope has been banned and fined for drink-driving at Forfar Sheriff Court.

Provisional licence holder Luke Atherton, 18, yesterday admitted driving while more than twice the legal limit in St Margaret’s Park, Forfar, on June 27 this year.

He also pleaded guilty to driving while unaccompanied, without displaying L-plates and without insurance.

The court heard that Atherton, 1 Helen Street, Forfar, had attracted the attention of residents in the street after he tied a tow rope around his waist and tried to pull his stationary car at around 10pm.

“People in St Margaret’s Park were aware of a car coming to a stop near their houses,” said fiscal depute David Cobb.

“The accused then got out a tow rope and appeared to pull the car under his own strength.

“He inquired with householders as to whether someone could give him a tow or a bump start. They were under the impression he was under the influence and one of them phoned the police.”

Agent Pauline Fraser said Atherton had been in the pub with friends all afternoon and had left at around 8pm after an argument with his girlfriend.

“He admits taking the car from the garage and driving it around the block to clear his head,” she said.

Sheriff Kevin Veal banned Atherton for 15 months and fined him £350.