A steroid-fuelled bodybuilder who wrecked four cars in a matter of seconds has been spared a jail term.
John Bertie admitted a charge of driving under the influence of drugs following the smash in Dundee’s Strathmartine Road.
Bertie – who has twice before been banned for driving under the influence – was barely able to stand when he drove down the busy street and ploughed into a Volkswagen Polo – sending it crashing into a Ford Fiesta.
Fiscal depute Matthew Kerr told Dundee Sheriff Court that Bertie then got out of the car to survey the damage.
He said: “He was observed to be struggling to stand up and was staggering. He staggered back in to the driver’s seat and drove off.
“He continued for approximately 50 yards before veering left again and colliding with a Hyundai car.
“The accused continued to veer left and then collided with the back of a Fiat 500.
“He then exited the vehicle again and was observed to stagger on to the pavement.
“He was found by police and gave a negative breath sample but was heavily under the influence of an unknown substance.”
Bertie, 42, of Smith Street, pleaded guilty on summary complaint to a charge of driving while under the influence of drugs on August 23 this year.
He was on bail at the time of the offence having been released only the day before from Forfar Sheriff Court.
Defence solicitor Scott Norrie said: “He accepts responsibility for the matter.
“He had been taking steroids at the time – he is a bodybuilder and has been using them to change his physique.”
Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC banned Bertie from the road for four years, ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work on a community payback order, imposed a year’s supervision and ordered him to pay £1500 compensation.
She said: “This is a serious matter – all the more serious because of your record.”
