Former Angus alcohol misuse worker admits being five times limit

A former alcohol misuse campaigner has admitted driving while almost five times the legal limit.

Eileen McArthur (pictured) was found drunk behind the wheel of her car twice in the space of three weeks.

McArthur, 47, was a former senior planning officer for Focus on Alcohol Angus.

She pleaded guilty to drinking and driving on roads in Forfar and Glamis in August 2013 and admitted a further offence while unfit through drink or drugs in September last year.

Sheriff Kevin Veal deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports.

He also banned her from driving between now and her sentencing hearing, where she could face a prison sentence.

Angus Council’s Focus on Alcohol scheme is part of the local authority’s Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, which tackles personal, family and social issues associated with alcohol.

McArthur was responsible for spearheading anti-drink abuse initiatives as well as highlighting Angus based projects at national level at events and conferences

Angus Council has confirmed she is no longer employed by the authority.

Carole Whittingham of the Campaign Against Drink Driving said: “I have heard of five-and-a-half times the limit but I’ve certainly never heard of that level for a female driver.

“She must have consumed a considerable amount of alcohol to register that.

“It wasn’t just one for the road.

“She could have killed somebody so easily, and once you have done that your life and so many other lives are changed forever.

“Given her previous interest in helping other people with alcohol problems, I assume that when she does go for sentence the court will take into account that she does herself need help.”