Aberdeen man caught driving while uninsured and disqualified on the A98 in Moray spared jail

A man who refused to provide a breath sample after being caught driving while disqualified and uninsured has been told it is his “last chance” after being spared a custodial sentence.

Aleksejs Artemjevs, 35, of Ash-Hill Drive, Aberdeen, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court after being charged with multiple offences.

On November 24, 2024, police officers stopped Artemjevs on the A98 between Buckie and Fochabers and carried out a computer check on the vehicle.

The check confirmed that the vehicle was insured but not in Artemjevs’ name. Further enquiries revealed that he was disqualified from driving while officers also suspected that he had consumed alcohol.

He was cautioned and charged and taken to Elgin Police Station.

However, at the station Artemjevs refused to provide two specimens of breath which would have determined his fitness to drive, telling officers, “that is my right”.

Defence solicitor Stephen Carty acknowledged that alcohol has been an "issue" for his client.

Carty said that Artemjevs "appreciates the gravity of the situation" and understood that a custodial sentence was a "very real possibility."

Sheriff David Harvie addressed Artemjevs directly in court, saying: "There is a stark choice facing court today: a quite lengthy custodial sentence or a community payback order as a direct alternative.

“You have placed yourself and others at risk. You had an utter disregard for any of that judging by your comments to police."

Opting against jail time, Sheriff Harvie ordered Artemjevs to complete 300 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months.

He also disqualified him from driving for six years.

Additionally, a two-year supervision order was imposed with a review scheduled in two months to assess his progress.

Sheriff Harvie added: "Unless that report is glowing, this order may be revoked and a custodial sentence imposed.

“This is your last chance."