An Arbroath welder on the threshold of carving out a new life for himself in Holland has been banned from driving for a year after he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court.
But Simon Banks will be free to embark on the fresh start after admitting a January incident in which he was tailed by an innocent victim when he sped off after hitting their car.
Banks, 44, of Cairnie Loan, pled guilty to driving while four times over the limit, failing to give information to the Police and failing to stop after his car collided with another vehicle.
The court heard Banks was seen driving on Lochlands Drive, Arbroath at 3 pm on January 17. A witness saw his vehicle “veering all over the road”.
Another witness saw Banks travelling towards him at speed the vehicles collided, causing damage to the driver’s side.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said: “The accused continued off at speed and failed to stop.”
The witness followed Banks and, when he had caught up with him, told him to stop.
He continued to follow him through the streets of Arbroath, witnessing the accused’s car mount a roundabout.
He eventually caught up with Banks, removed the keys from the ignition and the Police were called. Officers found he was apparently “under the influence” but was initially reluctant to provide details.
Mr Kermode said:“When asked and cautioned he said he had been driving under the influence. He told the police to ‘get this over and done with’”.
Banks’ solicitor said his client had had a “fairly traumatic” period prior to this.
He said: “He had lost his job and his partner and had turned to drink.
“He is a welder and flies to Holland tomorrow where he has been offered a job for six months. This gives him a fresh start.
“This was a bad piece of driving – he is not facing a careless or dangerous charge.
“Since this has occurred he has been going to drink counselling and is getting his life back on track.
“He has a clear offer of employment, if he does not go tomorrow he will lose his job.”
Banks pled guilty to driving in Lochlands Drive, Keptie Street, Nolt Loan, Rosemount Road, Infirmary Road and Viewfield Road, Arbroath with a breath alcohol count of 88 microgrammes against a legal limit of 22.
He also admitted withholding information from police, colliding with a car and causing damage to it, and failing to stop and give his name and address.
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown disqualified Banks for 12 months and fined him a total of £665.
