The sheriff, surprised by the drunk driver, managed to force the damaged van to move

A 52-year-old man has been fined £1,000 for driving a seriously damaged van while dangerous and drink driving.

Ralph Cuthbertson, from Bedlington, Northumberland, was also disqualified from driving for a year after admitting the offenses at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank was shown a photo of the damaged vehicle and said it was “quite a feat” to be able to move it at all given the state it was in.

The court heard Cuthbertson crashed his van near Brig o’ Fitch at around 2.30am on October 7 after drinking in Lerwick.

Procurator Fiscal Duncan McKenzie said passers-by came to his aid after witnessing the crash, but the accused drove off in the damaged car.

Shortly after, police officers came to the scene of the accident, and passers-by pointed out Cuthbertson.

Mr McKenzie said police caught up with the accused and heard a loud screeching sound as parts of his van were dragged down the road.

Cuthbertson failed a road test and was arrested.

He revealed that he was three times over the limit.

Defense agent Tommy Allan said his client was told to take leave after 28 days on duty and decided to spend the time drinking with colleagues in the city.

Despite calling a taxi to pick up colleagues, Mr Allan said they had “such a good time” they decided to stay.

As a result, this meant that Cuthbertson decided to drive the car back down the road.

Mr Allan said his client, a skilled technician, had lost his job as a result of the incident and would struggle to find work without a licence.

He said his client wanted to apologize for his behavior.

Sheriff Cruikshank fined Cuthbertson £1,000 and disqualified him from holding or obtaining a license for a year.

Cuthbertson will have to pass an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road again.