Moray driver admits being six times the legal limit at Elgin Sheriff Court

A drink driver who was six times the legal limit was found out after he fell over at the dentist.

Ian Lowe, of Gordon Street, Elgin, admitted driving while under the influence at Elgin Sheriff Court on Thursday.

The court heard that 42-year-old Lowe drove his van into the car park of Spynie Dental Centre on January 6, 2025.

Fiscal depute Karen Poke said the police were called after Lowe was seen walking inside the dental practice, at around 9.50am.

His “manner” had prompted “concerns about his fitness to drive”, she added.

Ms Poke said that Lowe: “Went into the dental practice that morning and fell over due to being so unsteady on his feet.”

Officers arrived after half an hour, to find the 42-year-old still in the car park.

Learning that Lowe had driven to the dentist that morning, officers arrested the man and took him to Elgin Police Station.

The court heard that the 42-year-old had an alcohol reading of 126/100 - nearly six times the legal limit of 22/100.

Ms Poke added: “On the day in question, the weather conditions were poor, there was a significant amount of snowfall on the roads.

“There was a very high risk to road users and pedestrian traffic.”

Sheriff Eric Brown deferred sentencing to call for reports, to call again on March 27.

Lowe was also disqualified from driving in the meantime.