A MUSICIAN claims he will be forced to hang up his guitar after being banned from driving for three years.
Aaron Lawson, 39, from Edinburgh, was pulled over by police on 16 June last year when his car was seen on Easter Road veering to the left.
He was taken to St Leonards Police Station where he refused to co-operate with officers who asked him to take a breath test.
The self employed musician, who sings and plays guitar, said he has stopped taking gig bookings since his arrest because he cannot ensure he will honour the commitment without the use of a car.
Yesterday (Wed) at Edinburgh Sheriff Court Lawson was also fined £320 after pleading guilty to the failure to give specimens of breath for analysis by means of a pre-approved device.
Procurator Fiscal Malcolm Stewart said: “Police received information that he may have had alcohol on his breath.
“He was found shortly after 1am on 16 June at Easter Road, where his car was veering to the left.
“There was a strong smell of alcohol coming from him.
“When he was taken to the police station he pretended to blow into the machine and it was obvious he had been drinking.
“It was clear he was making no effort to co-operate.”
But defence solicitor Mr Moore said: “The loss of Mr Lawson’s licence would mean he could not take on any more employment as he needs his car to transport his equipment.”
At that point Sheriff Gordon Liddle interrupted to ask: “But surely he can lug a guitar around with him?”
To which Mr Moore replied: “That is the instruction of my client.”
He continued: “Mr Lawson has also recently found out his girlfriend of one year is nine weeks pregnant and he plans to move in with her.
“He had hoped he could contribute some of his earnings to the household income but says now he cannot seek employment.”
Sheriff Liddle said: “I am sentencing you to a fine of £320, to be paid in fortnightly instalments of £10.
“You are also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for three years.”
