A disabled motorist who was more than four times the drink drive limit has been fined after travelling from pub-to-pub in a Moray town.
Bar staff in Buckie made three separate phone calls to police due to concerns about Michelle Harshaw’s fitness to drive.
Yesterday the Portgordon resident, who used a crutch to help herself into the dock, admitted a charge of drink driving on July 25 when she appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court.
Fiscal Alex Swain revealed staff at the Harbour Bar already had concerns about the 49-year-old when she walked into the premises shortly before 11pm – describing her as having a “glazed” look in her eyes.
When Harshaw was told there was no Malibu available, she left and drove towards the town centre.
About 30 minutes later, employees at the Pub in the Square (Pits) saw her “swaying from side to side” when she walked in the door.
Miss Swain said: “Her speech was slurred and again a member of staff said she had a glazed look in her eyes.
“She was refused service. Staff then contacted the police when they saw her return to her car and drive away.”
Harshaw then returned to the Harbour Bar where she was refused service before she drove back to her Portgordon home.
Police saw the motorist trying to get into her home with the keys from the car still in her hand.
Breath tests later found that Harshaw had 91mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 22mcg.
Defence solicitor Grant Daglish explained his client, who is registered as disabled, had referred herself to alcohol support groups to address her drinking.
He added: “She uses alcohol to cope with issues she is having at home. On this night she decided to go to the pub for a drink having been drinking at home and didn’t realise how much she had drunk.
“She is aghast and embarrassed at this situation.”
Sheriff Gary Aitken said: “This is a very serious offence. Your drink level was well above the legal limit.”
Harshaw, of Gordon Square in Portgordon, was fined £600 and banned from driving for 18 months.
