Camper in Sutherland caught with air weapon in car while unfit to drive

Police found an unregistered airgun in a man's car after he was stopped while seemingly unfit to drive.

Darren Gordon (29) was visiting Scotland on a camping trip when he was pulled over on August 25 this year.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told he was driving a silver Toyota Rav4 at the time when he passed officers on patrol on the A894 near Laxford Bridge.

Fiscal depute Emma MacEwan said: "The driver appeared to look at police and appeared to speed up.

"He was followed by police and stopped unprompted.

"The accused was noticeably unsteady on his feet and had red eyes.

"He was then arrested and charged."

Gordon, of Chopwell North, Gateshead in England, admitted having an unregistered air weapon and being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.

Making reference to the weapon, Sheriff Gary Aitken said: "These are not toys."

Defence agent Rory Gowans said his client accepted full responsibility for his actions.

Gordon was told to carry out 95 hours of unpaid work in the community and disqualified from driving for 12 months.