Police who intercepted a car transporter on the A9 discovered the driver was almost five times over the alcohol limit.
At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, 50-year-old Dean Lightfoot from Alders Edge, Carlisle, appeared from custody and admitted driving with 107mcgs of alcohol in his breath, when the limit is 22mcgs, on February 24 near Bogbain Farm.
His not guilty plea to a dangerous driving charge by failing to adjust his driving for the weather conditions and keep control of the vehicle, causing it to cross the carriageway, was accepted.
Sentence was deferred for a background report until March 19 and Lightfoot was released on bail.
Fiscal depute Susan Love told Sheriff Mark Stewart QC that Lightfoot had unloaded his HGV articulated lorry at the Mercedes Benz garage in the Longman Industrial Estate a short time before.
But a member of staff smelt alcohol on his breath and noticed he had glazed eyes and was unsteady on his feet.
Police were informed but Lightfoot had left the premises and mobile patrols were instructed to keep a look out for him.
He was traced about three miles away.
Defence solicitor Patrick O’Dea said he would reserve his comments until a background report had been prepared.
