A MOTORIST has been fined for breaching the coronavirus regulations during lockdown.

David Louden, 35, pleaded guilty to leaving his home in Musselburgh during an emergency period without a reasonable excuse.

The offence happened on the A701 road near Lamancha in the Borders on March 28, 2020.

He was charged under the Health Protection Coronavirus Regulations 2020.

Louden was fined £270 and ordered to pay a £20 Victim Surcharge.

But following a trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court he was cleared of a dangerous driving charge.

It had been alleged he overtook a number of vehicles on the A701 road when it was unsafe to do so forcing an oncoming driver to evasive action to avoid a collision and that Louden had failed to properly maintain control of his vehicle and collided with a tree.

He was found not guilty of the charge.