Driver charged with attack on paramedic after smash

A MOTORIST who crashed a car while allegedly drink- driving has been charged with attacking the paramedic who tried to treat his injuries at the scene.

The 52-year-old had been involved in a road collision in South Queensferry and an ambulance was called to help tend to the man.

The motorist, who was charged by police with being over the legal alcohol limit, is alleged to have then launched an attack on a paramedic and was later charged with assault.

His arrest last Monday was made on the first day of a two-week crackdown on drink and drug-driving in the force area as part of a national campaign.

A total of 19 people were charged with getting behind the wheel under the influence during the first week after being caught by police patrols.

Police chiefs said they were "disappointed" that drivers were continuing to flout the law and blamed a "hardcore element of motorists" for the trend.

Unlike Lothian and Borders, where 19 arrests were made in the first week compared to 15 last year, the number of offenders caught across Scotland fell from 122 to 96 nationally.

The only driver caught after taking drugs in the force area was a 33-year-old man from Haddington who allegedly crashed into a Bear Scotland van at roadworks on the A1 near Gladsmuir in East Lothian last Monday.

Superintendent Phil O'Kane said: "We are disappointed at the number of people our officers have detected over the first week of this campaign.While the majority of motorists recognise the risks of drink or drug-driving, it is clear that there remains a hardcore element of motorists who continue to get behind the wheel while under the influence.

"This kind of mindless behaviour cannot be tolerated."

The summer campaign, which is being spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos), is set to end on Monday.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson, of Dumfries and Galloway Police, who leads on drink and drug-driving for Acpos, welcomed the national drop in arrests. He said: "I am encouraged by these figures as any reduction is welcome, but they are certainly no cause for celebration.

"One encouraging fact which has been noted is the support from members of the public, who are reporting suspect offenders to the police. Figures were collated this year as to how these offences are reported and over a fifth of all persons charged were detected as a result of a member of the public contacting the police."