A MOTORIST struck a horse being ridden by a 17-year-old woman in a town centre while more than double the legal alcohol limit.

The horse called Jasper which is aiming to be part of Scotland's eventing team is unable to compete as the injury is still being assessed.

Kenny Norton, who is 59, and from Galashiels, pleaded guilty to charges of careless driving and driving with excess alcohol in East Port, Melrose, on the evening of Wednesday, March 30. He had a breath/alcohol reading of 52 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22.

Depute fiscal Fiona Hamilton told Selkirk Sheriff Court he had a previous conviction for drink driving from 2020.

She said: "At 6.26 hours police received a call to say that a vehicle had struck a horse and its rider at East Port in Melrose.

"They arrived shortly afterwards and found damage to the nearside of the vehicle and the windscreen smashed with a dent on the bumper. Horse hair was trapped in the head lighting.

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"The accused confirmed he was the driver and officers could smell alcohol.

"The 17-year-old witness said the horse was struck from the rear causing it to be spooked but brought under control.

"There was blood on the rear end of the horse. The accused was spoken to by police and accepted that he had been drinking prior to driving."

Ms Hamilton said there were already large bills of several hundred pounds for vets and behaviourists to assess if the horse will be able to go out on the road again.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client had held a licence for 30 years but had a relevant previous conviction from 2020.

She said: "The accused has said he has no intention of driving his vehicle again. He said that to the police and to me. he has a number of health difficulties.

"He consumed alcohol at lunch time and it did not cross his mind he was still over the limit."

Norton was banned from driving for three years and fined £100 for drink driving and ordered to pay £400 compensation to the teenage horse owner. There was also a £10 Victim Surcharge on the fine.