An “intoxicated” van driver ploughed into a wall while being pursued by police in Carnoustie.
John McDevitt crashed his white Ford Transit after a series of near misses on Carlogie Road in March last year.
The 50-year-old was observed by officers veering across the carriageway, forcing oncoming traffic to take evasive action.
McDevitt, from Arbroath, refused to be breathalysed after his arrest.
Originally charged with dangerous driving, he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted a reduced charge of driving carelessly along the residential street on March 20.
He pled guilty to driving without a licence and refusing to provide samples of breath to police.
Under the influence
Fiscal depute Jill Drummond said police officers in a marked car were flagged down by a passing motorist at around 12.30pm.
“He advised of a near-accident involved in a Transit van.
“Blue lights and sirens were activated and officers went after the van, which could be seen in the distance.
“The van was observed crossing the central white line and going into the path of oncoming vehicles.
“The accused was clearly struggling to maintain control of his vehicle.
“Oncoming traffic had to swerve to avoid colliding with him.”
She said the van was seen turning right onto Church Street, where it struck a wall.
Arrest
“Officers approached the vehicle and took possession of the keys,” Ms Drummond said.
“The driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“He was advised he was arrested, handcuffed and placed in the rear of a police van.”
McDevitt continually asked about dogs that were in the van, the fiscal depute said.
“He was taken to police HQ in Dundee and at the charge bar, it emerged that his driving licence had been revoked following a previous disqualification.”
She added: “At the police station, it was evident that he was under the influence of alcohol and not drugs.
“When asked to provide a breath sample, he replied: ‘No comment’.”
He was asked twice more and responded in the same way each time.
When asked if he understood what he was being charged with, he replied: “I’m not f***ing deaf.”
Bad decisions
Solicitor Nick Whelan, defending, said: “This was bad decision making on his part and he entirely accepts that.
“Alcohol has been a major factor throughout his life, but he has now turned a corner.
“He indicates to me he is getting too old for this type of thing.”
Mr Whelan urged: “There is an alternative to custody here.”
Sheriff Krista Johnston told McDevitt: “This was a bad piece of driving and it is at the higher end of careless, particularly as it is aggravated by the condition you were seen to be in.
“You were certainly intoxicated to a significant level.
“And you have an analogous conviction, which makes the situation for you even worse.”
McDevitt, of Elm Brae, was fined £220 and ordered to carry out 75 hours unpaid work.
He was disqualified for nine months for the driving charge and a further three years for his refusal to be breathalysed.
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