A former marine went from good Samaritan to criminal within a few hours after a bid to gather sand to treat Fife’s snow-choked roads during this winter’s big freeze resulted in firstly a car crash, then a violent confrontation with police.
At Cupar Sheriff Court on Thursday, Stanley Houston (33), of Bobby Jones Place, St Andrews, admitted driving on various roads in St Andrews while disqualified and without insurance on January 8.
Houston, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following his stint with the marines, further pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, smashing into two cars on Bobby Jones Place.
He also admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and struggling violently with police officers.
Solicitor Alan Davie told the court, “Mr Houston had taken it upon himself to obtain sand from a nearby beach to use as a substitute for grit on the road.
“This was during the period of very bad snow and the local grit supply had been used up.”
The defence agent added, “He wanted to help residents and unfortunately collided with other cars while he reversed the fairly substantial jeep he was driving.”
Determined to get to work, Houston apparently failed to notice the collision and continued on his way to the beach. He was spotted by police, who realised he was disqualified from driving.
Despite the setback, Houston maintained his cool and was soon released from police custody.
Mr Davie said the accused then took it upon himself to picture the cars he had allegedly collided with.
“Mr Houston went to the locus to take pictures of the cars because he believed they were illegally parked,” the solicitor said. “However, regardless of whether or not they were illegally parked, he clearly should have taken more care.”
It was not long before police arrived once more.
“People in a nearby care home alerted the police to the fact the accused was taking pictures of the cars,” Mr Davie said. “When they arrived Mr Houston began to feel somewhat victimised.”
He continued, “Mr Houston served with the marines in South Africa and, as a result, has certain medical issues including post-traumatic stress disorder.
“He has certain coping mechanisms such as breathing strategies. When the police attended he tried to employ these techniques.”
However, due to the officers’ determination to speak with him immediately, Houston had little time to calm himself down and instead launched into a foul-mouthed tirade of abuse.
Mr Davie said the accused works on a voluntary basis helping disabled children to ride horses and insisted he had “much to offer” society. However, he also confessed that Houston was previously jailed for police assault.
Houston was placed on probation for a year and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for a period of three years.