A Methil man has admitted leading police on a dangerous 95 mph car chase through the icy streets of Fife before brandishing a large knife at members of the public.
Gary Cook appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday and pled guilty to three charges following the December 12 incident.
The 32-year-old raced around the Levenmouth area in his Vauxhall Combo and was first spotted driving dangerously close to a marked police vehicle.
Cook, of Coldstream Crescent, Leven, then over took on a blind corner before cutting in front of the police car and speeding off from the scene.
After reaching speeds of 95 mph, officers were instructed to stop the pursuit as it was too dangerous to continue.
Cook was later traced shouting at members of the public in a Leven street, waving a large knife.
Depute fiscal Jade Doig told the court: “An anonymous call was received by Police Scotland stating that a male had been seen driving erratically around the Methil area.
“At around 5.45pm, police officers were travelling along Leven Road in a marked police vehicle. Conditions were described as complete darkness with icy roads and traffic flow was busy.
“Officers became aware of the accused’s vehicle travelling extremely close to the rear before it overtook them on a blind corner.
“The accused then directly in front of the police vehicle. The action was described by officers as aggressive and extremely dangerous.
“Officers activated the blue lights and signalled for the accused to stop but he turned left into Myreside Avenue and accelerated up to speeds of 60mph.”
She told how Cook then drove down a one-way street, directly into oncoming traffic, before turning onto the A916 where he increased his speed to 95mph.
Miss Doig added that officers were advised to discontinue the chase due to the speeds involved and road conditions.
Officers were then called to Victoria Road in Leven at around 6pm and found Cook standing next to his van with a “large knife” in his hand and shouting at members of the public.
He was detained by officers and later admitted being the driver of the van.
Defence solicitor Scott McKenzie told the court his client was going through a “particularly difficult period in his person life” at the time and struggles with anxiety and depression.
He told the court that Cook claimed his long-term partner had cheated on him in the lead up to the December incident and had also lost his job.
Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC asked: “What I want to know is why he overtook a marked police vehicle on a blind corner before going at outrageous speeds?”
Mr McKenzie added: “He can’t give much of an explanation.”
The court was also told that Cook was currently serving a 14 month driving ban.
Sheriff Gilchrist deferred sentence to allow for background reports until September 25.
