Hamilton doctor fell flat on her face after drunken crash

May 6 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON psychotherapist who was caught drink driving may be facing disciplinary action.

Dr Claire Nelson, who works at Udston Hospital, was so drunk after causing a crash that she fell flat on her face while trying to inspect damage to her car.

She was almost five times the legal drink-drive limit when she crashed last month after a visit to a county restaurant.

Yesterday (Wednesday) a spokesman for NHS Lanarkshire refused to comment specifically on Nelson’s case due to confidentiality, but added that issues of this nature are usually dealt with in line with formal procedures.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last Thursday, the 35-year-old, who lives in Auchingramont Road, admitted a charge of drink driving.

On that date, she was found to have 172 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, the legal limit being 35.

The court heard how Nelson was spotted driving erratically near a restaurant in Harthill on March 6.

Fiscal depute Amanda Gallagher told the court that the doctor was spotted by a witness swerving in her black Toyota Celica after leaving nearby Harrington’s restaurant.

Nelson then lost control of her vehicle and collided with another car.

Ms Gallagher continued that the accused left her car to inspect the damage to the other car.

However, Nelson was so intoxicated that she fell forward flat on to her face without attempting to support herself.

It was at this point, Ms Gallagher added, that the nearby witness took Nelson’s keys.

Police soon attended and breathalysed the Hamilton doctor, before she admitted responsibility to officers, saying: “I am guilty.”

Sentencing, Sheriff John Miller placed the NHS Lanarkshire employee on a probation order lasting two years, and disqualified her from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for two years.

As part of her probation, Nelson is required to be of good behaviour and attend regular meetings with a supervisor.

A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire said: “We cannot discuss cases relating to individual members of staff due to confidentiality.

“However, we can confirm that a matter of this nature would be dealt with in line with our formal policies and procedures.”

Last week outside court, Nelson issued a statement through her defence solicitor, Robert Sheridan of Nicholas J Scullion & Co.

She said: “I am extremely remorseful and deeply regret my actions.”

Last week, a spokesman for an anti-drink-driving organisation was reported to have slammed Claire Nelson, calling her actions “disappointing”.

Carole Whittingham, of the Campaign against Drinking and Driving, said: “It’s disappointing that such an important and influential person would choose to drink and drive.

“She is supposed to set a good example in regards to people’s health and she obviously wasn’t thinking about other people.

“She needs to be aware of how much devastation people like her can cause.”