Police saw a pensioner drive along a main road while reading a newspaper. When they stopped William Atherton, 81, he was able to tell them all the headlines of the day.
Atherton, of Elder Street, Tranent, pleaded guilty by letter yesterday at Haddington Sheriff Court to having driven carelessly on the A199 Haddington-
Tranent road at Gladsmuir on February 5, while reading the paper. Procurator-fiscal Angus Reith said that about 11am police were sitting in a patrol car at a lay-by when they saw Atherton drive past with a newspaper, which he appeared to be reading.
''They followed him for seven- tenths of a mile, during which he overtook a stationary bus and several farm road ends.''
Sheriff George Presslie deferred sentence until June 2, for Atherton to appear in person.
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