A Peterhead man has been banned from the road after refusing to provide a breath sample.
Dean Forman appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted to failing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse at Fraserburgh police station on July 31 this year.
The court was told that police found him sitting in his Suzuki Vitarra at Scotstown Beach near St Fergus.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAllister said officers had “received information” about the 47-year-old’s condition and he was later traced.
He said: “Police found the vehicle with the accused in the driver’s seat. There was an open bottle of alcohol in the vehicle.
“At Fraserburgh police station, the accused had refused to give a sample.”
Defence agent Sam Milligan said Forman had decided to get behind the wheel after a row with a loved one.
He said: “He is married and in full-time employment.
“What had been the catalyst for this was an argument with his wife. He drove to the locus and took alcohol with him.
“The engine was not running and the keys were not in the ignition, they were under the driver’s seat.”
Mr Milligan said Forman’s employer had provided a testimonial and he presented it to the court.
After reading the letter, Sheriff Christine McCrossan said: “I’ve read the testimonial and I see you help the community. This is out of character for you.”
Sheriff McCrossan banned Forman, of Richmond Avenue, Peterhead, from driving for 12 months and fined him £350.
