A learner driver who led police on a dangerous high speed chase through rural Perthshire has been banned from the road.
Teenager Callum Lindsay “panicked” and sped off when he saw police trying to pull him over.
The 19-year-old appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted driving dangerously down several streets in and around Crieff on June 11, last year.
He drove a Rover 75 Club along Burrell Street, West High Street and King Street, before joining the A85 and heading into Gilmerton at excessive speeds for the road conditions.
Court papers state he repeatedly crossed the central line, failed to comply with a no entry sign and caused another driver to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Lindsay, from Crieff, was placed on a structured deferred sentence and banned from driving for 16 months.
Insurance will be ‘unaffordable’
Sheriff James MacDonald told Lindsay: “This was an appalling episode of driving.
“It is fortunate for you that you did not endanger members of the public.
“However, there would have certainly been danger for anyone who was out using the roads, or on the pavements, at this time.”
The sheriff said: “I have no doubt this was borne out of immaturity, given your age.
“You will be disqualified for this and you may well find that insuring a motor vehicle will be completely unaffordable for you, for many years to come.”
Twice lost to sight during speed chase
Fiscal depute Sarah Wilkinson told the court: “At about 10.20pm, police constables were on mobile patrol when they observed a vehicle driving in the opposite direction.
“They noted a driver and two passengers within.
“Officers turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
“At this time, the vehicle accelerated harshly away.
“It was seen travelling in excess of the speed limit.”
Ms Wilkinson said police continued to follow the car down several streets.
“He was going at such high speeds he was lost to sight.”
The court heard police picked up the trail in Gilmerton.
“There were moments when constables were manoeuvring tight corners around the village,” said the fiscal depute.
“But the vehicle was once again lost to sight.”
Back-up called
More police units were called to join the search.
“The police received further information about the car and it was established the accused was the driver,” said Ms Wilkinson.
“At 11.30pm, he was traced at his home address.
“He was identified by officers as the driver.”
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton, defending, said: “At the time Mr Lindsay was a provisional licence holder.
“He made the very stupid decision to take the car out on his own.
“There was no planning involved here, it was more reactionary.
“He saw the police and panicked.
“He drove in this way because he feared punishment.”
