A Dundee hairdresser who almost knocked down a child after misjudging a school crossing has escaped a driving ban.
Audrey Robertson, 49, apologised and drove off following the incident, but was traced by police the following day.
Depute fiscal Trina Sinclair told Dundee Sheriff Court that a lollipop man wearing a high-visibility jacket outside the school had stopped traffic, holding up his sign.
She said: “Traffic travelling east had stopped, however the accused, who was travelling west, failed to stop on time.
“She came to a stop causing the (child) witness to take evasive action. Although unhurt, he was extremely shaken.
“His mother was in her car, heard her son scream out in terror and went to make sure he was unhurt.
“The accused, who remained in her vehicle, apologised and drove off. She was traced the following day.”
John Boyle, defending, said: “It was not at significant speed and she thought she had time to clear the crossing.
“She unfortunately was on the crossing, but thankfully the child was unhurt. There were cars on both sides of the crossing, which restricted visibility,” he said.
“The school has now taken measures to improve this and have coned off the area. She owns her own mobile hairdresser business, so her licence is essential for that.
“She currently has six penalty points. The outcome has caused her considerable anxiety.”
Robertson, of Abbey Lane, Errol, admitted driving carelessly by failing to stop for a school crossing patroller wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a prescribed sign, and thereafter almost collided with a child, on June 12.
Sheriff David Hall told Robertson: “With some hesitation I will allow you to keep your licence.”
Robertson was fined £500 and had five penalty points added to her driving licence.