Drink-driver stopped in Thurso made ‘stupid decision’ to get behind wheel

Engineer Ryan Cowie was said to have made a “pretty stupid decision to drive and was now facing the consequences”.

The 29-year-old came to the attention of the police in Sir George’s Street, Thurso, on June 9, and they decided to follow him, Wick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.

Cowie was stopped and a subsequent test revealed a blood-alcohol level of 97 mg per 100ml of blood – the legal limit is 50 mg.

Sheriff Neil Wilson, who observed the reading was close to double the limit commented: “Your solicitor rightly described your actions as stupid.”

Cowie, whose address was said to be Fourwinds on the A9 near Thurso, was fined £400 and banned for a year.