A boy racer has been fined and disqualified from driving after admitting driving carelessly close to the rear of other road users.
Liam Laing, 22, is already banned from the roads following an earlier conviction.
He admitted at Dundee Sheriff Court on Wednesday to driving without due care and attention on West and South Marketgait, Dundee, on October 30 2019.
He was spotted by police careering between lanes without indicating and “tailgating” cars in front of him – an action which Sheriff Robert More said would have caused the other road users significant “anxiety”.
Laing, of Mary Law Gardens, Cupar Muir, also had a small amount of cannabis in his possession – recovered by police after they pulled him over – for which he was admonished.
Repeated attempts to stop driver
Depute fiscal Kate Scarborough told the court police spotted Laing shortly after midnight.
“While traveling down West Marketgait they became aware of the accused’s vehicle travelling at excessive speed past the Overgate at the junction with Nethergate.
“The police vehicle was travelling at 30mph behind the accused, which they estimated was travelling at 50mph.
“The accused continued on the road past Yeaman Shore, the vehicle approached the bend in the road at excessive speed.
“As the accused continued down South Marketgait he began to swerve in and out lanes without indicating and tailgating cars in front.
“Police activated their blue lights, the accused’s vehicle continued to change lanes.
“He changed lane then directly into the path of the police vehicle, with the officer driving having to apply the brakes to avoid causing a collision.
“Police then flashed their full beams at him, indicating he had to stop.
“He pulled over at Gellatly Street.”
Tailgating ‘anxiety’
Defence solicitor Mike Short, in mitigation for Laing, said: “He acknowledges he was young and inexperienced.
“He is currently disqualified, it is hoped he will not repeat this behaviour.
“He is in full time employment.
“A lot of the time young people blame the world for their mistakes but he blames himself.”
Fining Laing £305 and banning him from obtaining a licence for six months, Sheriff More said: “Mr Short has addressed what I would have wanted to say but for one thing.
“What I am concerned about is the reported tailgating.
“It causes anxiety for other drivers.
“It aggravated this charge significantly.”
