A Fife man has been banned from the roads after being caught driving at more than triple the speed limit in a residential area.
Scott Tomlinson was behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Corsa which came to the attention of the police in Kirkcaldy on July 6 last year.
After noticing the marked vehicle, the 20-year-old accelerated away towards Templehall Avenue where he failed to give way at a junction whilst travelling at excessive speeds.
Despite not holding a driving licence, the Dysart man continued to drive dangerously and at high speeds onto Hendry Road, forcing other drivers to take evasive action.
Depute fiscal Rebecca Clark said: “The accused’s driving manner was described as being speeds in excess of 60mph in a 20mph zone.
“Thereafter, on approaching Templehall Avenue, the accused failed to give way and continued at high speeds.
“On approach to a junction on Hayfield Road, the accused failed to give way at the roundabout, to the extent that other vehicles approaching were forced to brake to avoid a collision.
“The accused then carried out an overtaking manoeuvre into the path of an oncoming vehicle, forcing it to take evasive action as a result.
“The police then indicated for the accused to pull over, which he did immediately. A PNC check was carried out and it was found that the accused did not have a driving licence nor was the vehicle insured.”
When questioned by officers, Tomlinson replied: “I know I shouldn’t have been driving. I don’t have a licence.”
Defence solicitor Martin McGuire asked the court to give consideration to client’s young age and lack of previous offending.
He added: “He secured the vehicle from his mother and accepts that there was no reason for him to be driving. He accepts that the manner in which he was driving was inappropriate.”
Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC said: “This was a bad case of driving because of the fact that you appear to have put your foot down to get away from a police car which may have shown an interest in you.”
He banned Tomlinson from the roads for 12 months and placed him under supervision for the same period of time.
Tomlinson,of Cook Street, was also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work within six months and ordered him to sit the extended driving test.
