Drink-drive policeman fights ban

Scott Walker claimed he should not be banned from driving

A police officer who was caught drink-driving has launched a legal bid to hold on to his licence.

Strathclyde Pc Scott Walker was nearly three-and-a-half times the limit when stopped near Callander, Perthshire.

The 26-year-old from Cambro, Coatbridge, admitted the offence at Stirling Sheriff Court.

His claim that he was driving because of a medical emergency and should not be subject to a mandatory ban will be investigated at a later court hearing.

It is understood that Walker, who has been suspended as a Strathclyde Police probationer, had been camping with friends on 7 October when the alleged emergency occured.

The Crown said it would dispute that Walker was entitled to escape a driving ban.

Disciplinary proceedings against him have been put on hold, pending outcome of the proceedings, the court was told.

Isobel Brydie, of the Scottish Campaign Against Irresponsible Drivers, said: "We shall be watching the outcome of this with interest."