Courts in Moray: Military colleagues called police on drunk driver
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A serviceman has received a four-year road ban after his military colleagues called the police.
David McKenzie, who's stationed at Kinloss Barracks, was confronted after he was seen driving on the afternoon of November 29.
The witnesses noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.
They also saw what were described in court as empty "containers" of alcohol in the footwell of the car.
The keys were taken out of the ignition and McKenzie was prevented from leaving.
Police officers arriving on the scene stated he had bloodshot eyes and was unsteady on his feet.
The 37-year-old appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to charges of driving while under the influence and having no insurance.
He also admitted a further charge of failing to comply with an initial roadside breath test.
A formal test later administered inside a police station gave a reading of 107 – nearly five times the legal limit of 22.
The court heard that this was McKenzie's second drink driving offence.
Defence solicitor Matthew O'Neill stated that his client had previously referred himself to Arrows for help to combat his drinking, and was once more being assisted by the agency.
Mr O'Neill added: "Alcohol is something he has struggled with. It was a foolish action to drive."
Passing sentence, Sheriff Robert McDonald said: "This is your second conviction for drink driving. If you appear before the court for a third time you will be looking at a jail sentence."
In addition to his four-year driving ban, McKenzie was also fined £1175.
