A trio of young road racers have been slammed by a sheriff after blasting up the A90 dual carriageway between Dundee and Forfar at over the ton.
Matthew Florence, Steven Anderson and Craig Robertson admitted racing for several miles in wet conditions between Kirkbuddo and Tealing, with Sheriff Gregor Murray branding the latter pair’s antics as being “at the most serious end of the dangerous driving scale.”
He said that had it not been for their otherwise good background and lack of previous convictions, Anderson and Robertson would have been jailed for the offence.
Florence, 21, Balquharn Cottages, Fern; Anderson, 22, of St Colme’s Close, Kirriemuir, and Robertson, 22, of Rowan Avenue, Kirriemuir, all appeared in the dock at Forfar having previously admitted dangerous driving on the A90 on February 6 last year.
Solicitor Brian Bell, for Florence, said his client, an agricultural engineer, had expressed “shame and disappointment” regarding his behaviour but hoped to hold on to his job.
“He accepts that his driving was stupid to say the least,” added Mr Bell.
Nick Markwoski, for Anderson, said: “There is very little that can be said, other than that they were travelling on a road well known to all of them.”
He added: “It was immature and they understand the potential danger involved, but fortunately there wasn’t any difficulty in that regard.
“It looks like his immaturity may cost him his job, his independence and in addition his girlfriend wasn’t happy about this incident so he has ended up losing her over this.”
For Robertson, solicitor Grant Bruce said his client had shown appropriate remorse, but he too was likely to lose his job.
Sheriff Murray said: “I make it clear to Mr Anderson and Mr Robertson that these offences are at the most serious end of the dangerous driving spectrum.
“That is because of the factors that the road was wet, there were passengers and the nature and speed of the driving.
“Had it not been for your otherwise good background and no previous offences I make it clear that you would have been going to jail for this.”
Florence was given a 12-month driving ban and fined £1,500.
Anderson and Robertson each received 18-month disqualifications and Community Payback orders requiring them to carry out 225 and 175 hours of unpaid work respectively.
All three must resit an extended driving test at the conclusion of their bans.
