Police came upon a parked car with its lights and engine on and wipers running in the early hours but no-one in the driving seat, Wick Sheriff Court heard.
As the vehicle was badly positioned, in Grove Lane, Thurso, officers moved it to a car park. The driver, Monica Barnetson (45) was located nearby. She failed a breath test, and a follow-up test at Thurso Police Station revealed a breath-alcohol level of 94mcg – more than four times the legal limit of 22mcg.
Wick Sheriff Court.
The court heard that Barnetson, of Sweyn Road, Thurso, had gone into town to purchase cigarettes. Fiscal depute Grant McLennan described the situation as “a slightly unusual” set of circumstances.
Sheriff Neil Wilson took into account the fact that Barnetson was unemployed, had a young family and was a first offender who had tendered an early plea, and said he would limit the disqualification to a year.
However, he commented that the fine would have to be “relatively substantial” given her breath-alcohol level and imposed one of £300. Barnetson pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred on December 7, last year.