Taxi Driver Online

A DELIVERY driver guzzled alcohol before driving in a bid to give him the “Dutch courage” to overcome his fear of bridges, Perth Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

Leon Wasilewski’s employment was to take him over the Forth Road Bridge on October 8, which posed an unusual challenge for him.

Solicitor Linda Clark said her client “had a fear of driving over bridges” after an incident some years back and so he stopped before the crossing for a few drinks before successfully making the crossing.

He continued north as far as Balado where his drink-driving came to light as he attempted to park up for the night in a family’s private driveway.

After being asked to leave by the owners, Wasilewski made numerous unsuccessful attempts to reverse from the drive.

He stalled repeatedly, before finally reversing the Mercedes Sprinter van owned by his employers into a tree.

Tayside Police were called and arrived at the scene to find the 61-year-old still in the driver’s seat with the engine running.

Officers detected the strong smell of alcohol and the accused’s speech was also slurred.

When he was asked to step from the vehicle it was also clear that he was unsteady on his feet.

He gave a positive breath test at the roadside and a further breath test at divisional headquarters in Perth where a lower reading of 136 mics was recorded. The limit is 35 mics.

Solicitor Linda Clark told the court that her client had lost his employment as a result of the offence.

She said, “He has a fear of driving over bridges.

“He stopped to have a drink to give himself some Dutch courage.”

She added, “This was clearly an unwise thing to do.”

Mrs Clark admitted that her client had a “problematic relationship” with alcohol.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis ordered Wasilewski to carry out 80 hours’ community service and banned him from the road for 30 months

I thought the Judge should have taken his fear of bridges into account

How many Bridges did he cross on route to the Offlicence??

The Guys a P*sshead pure and Simple..