A careless driver hit a parked car with such force he caused a chain reaction of damage to a row of five vehicles, Arbroath Sheriff Court has heard.
Neil Campbell, 24, of Ravensby Road, Carnoustie, admitted that on February 3 in Thomas Street, Carnoustie, he drove a car without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other people using the road, and collided with five stationary vehicles, causing extensive damage to them.
He further admitted that after the accident he did not provide his name, address or vehicle details to the cars’ owners.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said: “Just after 1am on Sunday morning the accused picked up a friend from the area of a public house and drove a short distance when the collision occurred.
“Such was the force of the collision there was a number of cars involved. The parked car shunted on to the next parked car in the street, which then went forward onto the next car and so on.
“There was a very large noise which drew the attention of several residents in the street.
“One witness saw his vehicle had been damaged and saw the accused and his companion running away from the accused’s vehicle which still had music blaring.”
She added: “Police attended the scene and found several damaged vehicles over a distance of 60 metres.”
Defence agent Lynne Sturrock said her client had been exhausted from moving house when a friend had called to ask for a lift home.
She said: “He was extremely tired and had not paid proper attention while driving.
“He fully admits that the music in his vehicle was loud and he had been chatting to his friend and not paying attention to the road.
“He ran off after another man became aggressive towards him and threatened him. He was fearful of the damage he had caused.”
Sheriff Peter Paterson disqualified Campbell from driving for 12 months and fined him £400.