Earl of Haddington, 37, handed driving ban after whisky-fueled car crash near Mellerstain Estate

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The 14th Earl of Haddington has been banned from driving after being involved in a collision while being more than twice the legal alcohol limit. The incident occurred near his stately home, Mellerstain estate, in Gordon, Berwickshire, on April 12. Police were called to the scene of the accident.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the 37-year-old father of two was identified as the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the collision. When questioned by the police, Lord Haddington admitted to being the driver of the Volvo involved in the crash. He provided a blood sample that showed an alcohol reading of 126 milligrammes, which is more than twice the legal limit of 50. Lord Haddington also informed the officers that he had consumed “house measures of whisky.”

Lord Haddington pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit. However, he entered not guilty pleas to driving without L plates while being a provisional license holder and to driving without insurance. The Crown accepted these pleas.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Peter Paterson treated the case as a drink-driving offense. As a result, Lord Haddington was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £500, with an additional £20 victim surcharge. Lord Haddington, whose full name is George Edmund Baldred Haddington, resides at Mellerstain House, near Gordon.

Graeme Runcie, Lord Haddington’s defense lawyer, stated that his client was a first-time offender and described his occupation as a “land manager.” Runcie also mentioned that Lord Haddington had faced a challenging year and had been working on addressing his issues. He assured the court that Lord Haddington had the means to pay any financial penalty imposed by the court.

Sheriff Paterson certified Lord Haddington as suitable for the drink-drive rehabilitation course. Completion of this course at his own expense would result in a 25% reduction in the duration of his driving ban.

Lord Haddington, who was educated at Eton College and Glasgow University, inherited the title of the 14th Earl of Haddington in 2016 following the death of his father. His father left behind a £34 million fortune. Mellerstain House, a 17th-century estate designed by Robert Adam, is home to various artworks by renowned artists such as Gainsborough.

In conclusion, Lord Haddington has been handed a driving ban after being involved in a collision while significantly exceeding the legal alcohol limit. The court has imposed penalties and measures aimed at addressing his offense and providing an opportunity for rehabilitation..