Drink-driving taxi driver struck pedestrianA drink-driving taxi driver ploughed into a Christmas market with a passenger in the back seat, a court heard.
Donald Kennedy, from Brechin, was almost five times the drink-drive limit when he became bewildered by diversions at the town’s highlight of the festive shopping calendar.
The 54-year-old’s taxi drove down the High Street and knocked down a young man who was standing at the “hog roast” stand during the Christmas Spectacular on December 20.
He “did not realise” he had driven into the back of a young male, who was eating takeaway food in the pedestrianised area.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard the accused has since lost his job. He had been experiencing alcohol difficulties at the time.
Depute fiscal Hannah Kennedy said: “The road was closed due to a yearly Christmas Spectacular that was taking place in the High Street.
“There were 50 stalls in the street on that day, and the complainer was facing away from the street, getting food from a takeaway stall. The accused drives past the stalls before the hitting man.”
Depute Fiscal Hannah Kennedy added: “The accused doesn’t appear to realise that he’s struck the complainer and exits the vehicle.
“Two stewards come over and take his keys — he’s clearly under the influence of alcohol.”
At the time, the Scottish Ambulance Service stated he was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, and police described his injuries as minor.
Fining Kennedy £500 and disqualifying him from driving for two years, visiting Sheriff Vaughan told the accused: “You pled guilty from the outset.
“However there is a fairly high reading on the charge, in relation to the new limit on drink-driving.”
Kennedy, of Park Farm Bungalow, admitted driving carelessly in High Street, striking Jordan Dickson and colliding with traffic cones.
He also admitted driving with excess alcohol (100 mics).
source:
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... n-1.841578
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