Man sentenced after drink driving causes A9 crash with police vehicle

Police Scotland has acknowledged the sentencing of 25-year-old Shafeer Rishad for drink driving and crashing into a stationary police vehicle.

The incident took place on the A9 between Dalwinnie and Newtonmore, on the night of Thursday, 26 January, 2023.

There were no injuries and the officers were not in their car, as they were assisting with the recovery of a vehicle from an unconnected incident.

Shafeer Rishad appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 23 March, 2023) and was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and a 20-month disqualification, after pleading guilty to drink driving.

Inspector Donnie Mackinnon, of the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit, said: “This incident highlights the dangers of drink-driving and how it adversely affects a driver’s decision making, awareness and cognitive ability. We are thankful that no-one was injured as a result.

“The consequences could have been far worse, not only for those directly involved but for their families and friends, so I appeal to road users to make safe and sensible decisions, one of which is never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, because it can be life changing.”