An Angus pensioner has been banned from the road after an “anonymous tip” told police he was drink-driving.
Robert Carswell from Arbroath appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Tuesday and admitted getting behind the wheel after drinking with a friend at the town’s Lochlands Bar.
The 70-year-old first offender, who the court heard was “embarrassed” to enter the court at his age, was tailed by police on March 2 this year after receiving a phone call from an anonymous source.
The former security worker and British Steel cost accountant admitted driving at more than two-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit in Lochlands Street, Cairnie Street, and Howard Street.
The court heard the grandfather-of-two had fallen in with an old friend who was visiting from Australia.
Depute Fiscal Stewart Duncan said: “Police received an anonymous phone call that the accused was drinking in the Lochlands Bar and intended to drive home.”
When police traced his silver Ford, he admitted he had been drinking and police waited to give him a roadside test.
“He replied that he’d had a couple of pints and had just finished one pint and left,” he added.
Defence agent Nick Markowski said: “He celebrated his 70th birthday two days ago. He is embarrassed and ashamed he’s appearing in court at this stage in his life.
“He has had a driving licence since he was 21, almost 50 years, without any blemish on it. He was cajoled into having another drink, which quickly became two.”
Mr Markowski said his client had mobility issues and would often have a pint in a pub “with his wife’s blessing” before driving a short distance home.
“He apologises to the court for his lack of judgement,” he said.
“He’s been a productive member of society.”
Sheriff Alison McKay banned Carswell, of Hayshead Road, from holding a licence for a year, and fined him £600.
She told the accused: “It’s most unfortunate you find yourself in court at your age.
“I suspect you are not popular at home and I don’t need to tell you how foolish you have been.”
