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Drink driver’s car is confiscated       1/2/12

Western Isles drink drivers have been given a strong signal that the island courts will impose tougher sanctions and move to confiscate their cars.

Scott Anderson Simpson today became the first island motorist to have his vehicle taken off him after he was sentenced for driving with an alcohol count of 118mg when the legal limit is 35mg limit. It may now be destroyed or sold.

The 42-year-old scaffolder of 51 Seaview Knock, Point, previously admitted drink driving as well as careless driving.

He was fined a total of £1,400 on top of a three year driving disqualification at Stornoway Sheriff Court.

Procurator fiscal David Teale said Simpson struck the offside wing mirror of a parked car, which had two people inside, on Seaview Terrace in Stornoway around 9.20pm on Saturday 7 January. He had sped up to the parked vehicle and did not stop. He was later traced.

His lawyer said Simpson had no recollection of events but had earlier followed his habit of leaving left his car in a supermarket with no intention of using it that evening.

When Simpson pleaded guilty at his first court appearance earlier this month, Hon sheriff Roddie Mackay ruled that his car should be seized pending the outcome of today’s hearing.

Meanwhile, the court’s second seizure of a vehicle took place yesterday (wed) when Malcolm Mackenzie Macleod pleaded guilty to drink driving after appearing from custody.

The 62-year-old of 20 Gleann Dubh, Newmarket, Lewis, admitted being four times the legal limit. He will be sentenced later this month when the crown will apply to permanently confiscate his vehicle because of his high alcohol count of 156 mg against the legal maximum of 35mg.