A north-east man was caught drink-driving after a neighbour’s funeral when he decided it was “too cold” for the 15-minute walk home.
Graeme Cuthill, from Aberdeen, made the decision following an “emotional day” on Friday, November 8.
Despite having drunk two pints of cider and “five or six” nips, the 54-year-old decided to get behind the wheel instead of walking.
But after losing control on an icy patch of Balnagask Road, he left his car and made the rest of his journey on foot.
He appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday where he admitted driving under the influence of alcohol.
Fiscal depute Jade Wong said the police tracked Cuthill down after someone saw his abandoned car and feared he might have been hurt.
She said: “Police attended the accused’s home address.
“He opened the door and immediately stated ‘I’m guilty’.”
Cuthill was found to have 57 micrograms of alcohol for every 100ml of breath – more than double the 22mg legal limit.
His solicitor, Debbie Ginniver, said: “It was quite an emotional day.
“He had known this neighbour since he was seven or eight-years-old and had contact with him every day.”
She added: “It was a complete error of judgement and he has been ashamed ever since.”
Cuthill, of Kirkhill Road, was fined £440 and given a 12-month driving ban.
