A Fife man who led police on a nine-mile high speed chase before crashing into an HGV has admitted dangerous driving.
Michael Wilson was found sleeping in a Ford Fiesta at a secluded location in Kirkcaldy before driving off at high speed when he was woken by police officers.
The 20-year-old was observed reaching speeds of up to 80mph as he accelerated away from a marked car on the B925 and A909, towards Cowdenbeath.
After being held up by queuing traffic, Wilson, of Hazel Avenue in Kirkcaldy, attempted to squeeze between two lanes on traffic on Bridge Street.
But his vehicle crashed into a motor lorry before striking two other vehicles. He jumped out of the car and ran away from the scene but was caught a short time later.
He appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Thursday and was banned from the roads, despite never having held a valid licence. He also admitted driving without insurance.
Depute fiscal Catherine Fraser said: “At 11.10am police were contacted by a witness who saw a silver Ford Fiesta parked for some time and the windows were steaming up.
“Police attended and observed two people within the vehicle who appeared to be sleeping with their seats fully reclined.
“Officers attempted to rouse the occupants, including the accused who was within the driver’s seat, but were unsuccessful. They tried again and the occupants sat up.
“At this point, the accused started the engine and drove off at speeds, forcing both officers to step back.
“At this time the windows of the vehicle remained steamed up and there was limited visibility.”
The vehicle was followed by police officers who saw it increasing in speed before undertaking a car using the entrance to Beveridge Park.
The near side wheel mounted the pavement and officers activated their blue lights but Wilson drove off at speeds of up to 50mph.
He turned onto the B925 Boglily Road towards Auchtertool, which has several tight bends and blind summits, and increased his speed to around 70mph.
Wilson raced through Auchtertool before turning onto the A909 towards Cowdenbeath, reaching 80mph. Just minutes later, he crashed the vehicle.
Defence solicitor Christine Hagan told the court the Fiesta had been purchased to be used as accommodation and not for it to be driven.
Sheriff Alistair Thornton said: “I have heard an appalling record of your driving on this occasion.
“It was truly dreadful and truly dangerous. It’s only by extremely good fortune that the only thing that happened was some damage to vehicles.”
Wilson was ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid work within eight months. He was also ordered to take park in the Road Traffic Offenders group work programme.
Sheriff Thornton also banned him from the road for 40 months and ordered him to sit the extended driving test.
