An Angus showjumping instructor wrote off his Range Rover and then started ranting about a bomb at Ninewells Hospital.
John Clenaghan was spotted swerving across the road by an off-duty police officer, who had been following him on Dundee Road in Arbroath at around 8pm on August 14 in 2021.
He called colleagues but by the time officers traced Clenaghan at 9.15pm, he had crashed his private-plated Range Rover in Arbirlot.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard his injuries were serious enough for him to be taken to Ninewells emergency department.
Clenaghan was discharged back into police custody at 1.40am the next day and while walking out of the busy emergency area, he noticed a police officer’s black briefcase and said: “It’s a bomb.”
He was asked to desist but again shouted: “It’s a bomb.”
Officers arrested him but he continued shouting: “It’s a bomb.”
‘I’ll not be blowing’
Fiscal depute Stuart Hamilton said police took Clenaghan to their West Bell Street headquarters and his bizarre behaviour continued.
When he was shown the intoximeter device to test his alcohol level, he said: “I’ll not be blowing.”
He began making “childlike noises” and refused to provide the requisite breath samples.
When offered another chance, he made more noises.
Clenaghan was kept in custody to appear in court the next day.
At Monday’s hearing in Forfar, Clenaghan was also sentenced for a previous drink-driving offence.
He admitted being almost double the limit at noon the day after a drinking session.
After downing lager and whisky on December 19 last year, he was stopped by officers leaving the A90 at the A94 junction and provided a reading of 43 mics (the legal limit is 22 mics).
The court heard Clenaghan already had a drink-driving conviction from 2018.
Alcohol struggles
His solicitor Sarah Russo said of the crash: “The vehicle was written off after the incident.
“He is someone who has been struggling with alcohol addiction.
“Since this offence there has been nothing further.
“He breeds horses and he teaches showjumping.
“His income very much fluctuates. This time of year is a quiet time of year.
“He does it all over the country. He’s supported by his family.
“He does accept responsibility.”
Ms Russo said Clenaghan suffered a head injury in the crash and has not driven since.
Fines and bans
Sheriff Derek Reekie, imposed 112 hours of unpaid work for the 2020 drink driving offence and 135 for failing to provide breath samples a year later.
Clenaghan, 33, of Tulloes, Angus, received concurrent bans of three and four years respectively.
He was also fined £590 for behaving threateningly at Ninewells.
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