Drink-drive ban for director of sport at top Lothian school

A PE teacher at one of Scotland's most prestigious schools can no longer drive pupils to sports tournaments after being banned from driving for being more than twice over the legal alcohol limit.

David Burton, who is director of sport at Loretto School in Musselburgh, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined 450 at Haddington Sheriff Court.

The school, whose former pupils include ex-chancellor Alistair Darling, has condemned Mr Burton's "gross error of judgement", but said no action will be taken against him by the school. However, the 40-year-old will be unable to drive the school minibus to sports competition and tournaments, with those duties being passed on to other members of staff.

Mr Burton, of Station Road, Prestonpans, pleaded guilty to driving on Linkfield Road, Musselburgh - where Loretto School is - when he appeared in front of Sheriff Peter Gillam.

He was caught on March 20 with 81 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

Representing himself in court, Mr Burton was reported to have said: "I had been in Edinburgh with some friends, had some drinks, and I was actually getting a taxi home. I had taken the car into Musselburgh earlier with the intention to leave the car but made a gross error of judgement and foolishly decided that rather than come back for it in the morning, I would take it the short distance home."

Mr Burton pleaded with the sheriff not to ban him. He said: "I have a family, I am a teacher, I have two small children and I drive them to school every day. Any disqualification would affect that.

"It's my first offence and I have a clean driving licence."

Sheriff Gillam told Mr Burton he had to be disqualified for a mandatory period of 12 months.

Loretto School said the conviction for drink driving did not impact on Mr Burton's ability as a teacher and no disciplinary action was being taken against him.

A spokesman for Loretto School said: "We do not condone David Burton's gross error of judgement.

"The offence took place during school holidays and does not effect his ability as an outstanding director of sport at Loretto.

"His minibus driving duties will be covered by other members of staff."

He added that there had been "no need" to discuss the conviction with any parents.