Man fined for driving uninsured with machete in vehicle

A self-employed joiner faces consequences after traffic stop reveals machete and insurance lapse.

In a recent incident that has drawn attention in Inverness, a 34-year-old man was fined after being stopped by police while driving an uninsured van with a machete inside. The event unfolded on November 13 of last year when Blair McDonald was pulled over on Old Town Road in Hilton.

Details of the traffic stop

According to the fiscal depute, Adele Gray, the police had valid reasons to stop McDonald’s vehicle. During the search, officers discovered a black machete, which raised immediate concerns regarding public safety. A subsequent check on the Police National Computer (PNC) confirmed that McDonald was driving without valid insurance.

Defendant’s explanation

McDonald, who appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court, admitted to possessing a bladed article in a public place and acknowledged his lack of insurance. His defense solicitor, David Patterson, explained that McDonald, a self-employed joiner, had traveled to Inverness for a social trip. He claimed that the machete was used for work-related tasks, such as clearing brush, and that McDonald had simply forgotten it was in the vehicle.

Consequences of the incident

During the court proceedings, Patterson highlighted that McDonald’s business was facing financial difficulties, which led to the lapse of his vehicle insurance. The court was informed that the insurance payment had bounced due to cash flow issues. As a result, Sheriff Gary Aitken imposed a fine of £640 for the possession of the machete and banned McDonald from driving for four months.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to vehicle insurance regulations and the potential legal repercussions of carrying bladed articles in public. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the responsibilities of drivers.