Former RAF pilot fined for driving without due care in Shetland

An 85-year-old former RAF pilot has been given a £160 fine and three penalty points after admitting driving without due care and attention.

David Edmondston, from Baltasound, appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday and pled to the offence, which took place in the village on January 25.

He admitted failing to give way or slow down for an oncoming vehicle at a time when his vision was impaired by low sunlight, which resulted in a collision.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the incident took place at a point where a double carriageway met a single track road.

He said his client had been an RAF pilot for 30 years – as well as a former Loganair pilot – and is “someone who is careful about the operation of machinery” at all times.

Giving Edmondston a fine and penalty points, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said he had to take into account the pensioner’s previous “excellent driving record”.