Inverness van driver who was three times the drink-drive limit collided with a motorcyclist

A van driver who was three times the drink-drive limit collided with a motorcyclist.

Richard Matheson (41) hit the motorcyclist after pulling out of a junction on St Margaret’s Way, Inverness on July 28 last year.

Matheson was found to have 74mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mcg per 100ml.

Fiscal depute Sophie Marshall told Sheriff Gary Aitken at Inverness Sheriff Court: “The Dingbro van failed to stop and give way, and the right side of the van hit the left side of the bike.

“The motorcyclist landed on top of his leg and was lying on the pavement.

“He was taken to A&E with a suspected fracture to his foot where it was found to be minor bruising.”

Matheson, of Mansefield Place, Inverness, pleaded guilty to driving without due care or attention and drink-driving.

Sheriff Aitken ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.

Sheriff Aitken said: “You had no business being at work that drunk, never mind being behind the wheel of a van.”

Matheson’s defence solicitor Graham Mann said: “He’s done himself no favours. He’s had a bit of difficulty with alcohol. He accepts the position he’s found himself in.”