A driver who has pled guilty to drink driving is fighting the Crown's attempt to seize his car, which is claimed to be worth £23,000.

The incident took place on 29 December in Wick. The driver, Ian Campbell, 51, was later arrested at home.

"Forfeiture of the car would be a disproportionate punishment given that the value of the car is some £23,000. A fairly substantial financial penalty can be handed out for drink-driving but you can't hand out a fine of £23,000," his solicitor Neil Wilson said.

"The Crown is looking for an entirely disproportionate punishment." 

Wilson has argued that alcohol consumed by Mr Campbell at home after the incident had inflated the reading. He told the court two-and-three-quarter hours passed between the accident and the arrest.

His car is currently impounded by police.

Sheriff Berry said he wished to "to examine the grounds that had to be established before a vehicle was forfeited."