By Mark Mackay

A SERVING soldier banned from driving after he was caught speeding at nearly 120mph got back behind the wheel moments after being sentenced, Perth Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

William Buchan (22) was spotted and photographed driving away from the court in August.

The tank driver, who is at present serving in The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Hamburg, Germany, had been banned from the road for four months and fined £160.

His next error of judgment saw him banned yesterday from driving for 12 months and fined a further £270.

Buchan, of Viewcraig Gardens, Edinburgh, admitted that on August 22 last year, in Tay Street, Perth, he drove while disqualified and without insurance.

Solicitor Billy Somerville said his client had been well aware he should not have driven.

Mr Somerville said the accused had put in place arrangements to be driven back to Edinburgh by his grandfather.

His solicitor said, “On the day in question his grandfather was unwell and was unable to meet him in Perth. He took the foolish decision to drive back to Edinburgh.”

Sheriff Charlie McNair took time to consider a letter of reference from Buchan’s commanding officer, Lieutenant S. R. Brayan-Smith, who accompanied him to court for a second time.

In it he said Trooper Buchan had the potential to be a “first-rate asset.” The officer described him as “a very good worker, though someone who can occasionally act immaturely.”

He said, “A lengthy ban for Trooper Buchan could seriously affect both Trooper Buchan’s career and the effectiveness of his squadron.

“He is long overdue his driver’s course, which he needs in order to gain his full crewman’s qualification.

“Not having this qualification will drastically reduce his effectiveness and therefore the squadron’s effectiveness on our forthcoming operational tour of Iraq, where he will almost certainly be required as a driver.”

Sheriff McNair commented, “This was a blatant disregard of an order of the court, committed within minutes of your disqualification being imposed.”

Given the character reference, the sheriff said he felt able to deal with the matter by way of a financial penalty.

However, he told Buchan, “I should warn you that in my opinion driving while disqualified goes very rapidly to a sentence of imprisonment.”