Fisherman caught driving while high on cocaine

A fisherman was caught behind the wheel of his car while under the influence of drugs.

Shaun Masson was driving a silver Hyundai Getz on the A952 Mintlaw to Fraserburgh road on December 23, 2019 when he was stopped by officers.

The 48-year-old of Ashgrove, Fraserburgh, pleaded guilty to the offence yesterday at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Fiscal depute Alan Townsend said officers had been made aware of a vehicle driving “erratically”.

A breath test came back negative but police noted Manson’s speech was slurred and found tablets in the side of his vehicle.

A blood test confirmed he was under the influence of cocaine and a number of other substances while he was driving, the court heard.

Defence agent Peter Keene said his client was aware he could lose his license and added Manson hoped to make it to work that afternoon in Fraserburgh.

Sheriff William Summers said it was a “serious offence” that was not only a danger to himself but “dangerous to other road users”.

Masson was fined a total of £640 and disqualified from driving for one year.