A drunken Abertay University student crashed his car into the main oxygen supply tank at Victoria Hospital at the terrifying conclusion of a police chase.
Stuart Aitken admitted driving dangerously and while more than three times over the limit.
His car was written off when he eventually careered off the road in the hospital grounds.
He ploughed through a metal fence and damaged the main oxygen tank on which ward patients rely.
Smashed into oxygen tanks
The 21-year-old was first noticed by police, driving erratically on Dunnikier Road on July 2 this year.
It’s the start of the Summer Drink/Drug Drive Campaign but #FifeRP started early & reported 3 Drunk drivers over the w/end.
This car sped past us & when we caught up they had run out of road. Luckily no injury or major damage #Fatal5 #HaveASeatInOurCarhttps://t.co/KCeCudf5lR pic.twitter.com/xVnTUDSJNR
— Road Policing Scotland (@polscotrpu) July 5, 2022
Fiscal depute Freya Anderson-Ward told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court: “On the date in question, officers observed the accused driving at the locus.
“The accused was driving at excessive speed.
“The accused then failed to stop at a number of traffic lights.
“The officers lost sight of the accused for a time.
“They proceeded to use their blue lights and sirens.
“The accused then was approaching the junction outside Victoria Hospital and was driving at speeds in excess of 50mph on a 30mph road.
“The accused approached a mini-roundabout.
“Due to excessive speed, the accused failed to negotiate the right turn, mounted the grass, drove through a hedge before crashing through a metal fence and hitting the main oxygen tank supplying Victoria Hospital.”
Fortunate not to damage flow of oxygen
The fiscal continued: “The accused thereafter was arrested at the scene and SFRS (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service) had to be contacted to carry out an inspection on the oxygen tank.
“The accused identified himself.
“It was obvious to officers he was under the influence of alcohol, due to him slurring his words and a smell of alcohol coming from him.
“The oxygen tank inspection was carried out.
“The main tank was not damaged.
“Pipework leading from the tank to the inverter was damaged.
“Fortunately the flow of oxygen to the hospital was not compromised.”
Drove after six pints
Aitken’s solicitor said the 21-year-old business student at Abertay University had been out at a pub and his group of friends and had six pints, before they were threatened.
She said he walked half way to his girlfriend’s, got a jumper from the car and decided to drive home after six pints.
Aitken, a first offender, admitted driving dangerously and whilst more than three times over the limit (76mics/22).
Sheriff Ian Anderson banned Aitken, of Ava Street in Kirkcaldy, for 16 months and fined him £640.
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