Reckless driver led cops on chase

A reckless motorist led police on a chase through Moodiesburn and Muirhead with dangerous driving that included speeding, jumping a red light and travelling the wrong way at a roundabout.

Coatbridge cops pursued Cairen Boyle for several minutes on December 9 last year, when the foolish 23-year-old took to the wheel on roads including the M73 motorway.

Boyle set off on his potentially treacherous journey from near his Cumbernauld home and was eventually stopped in his tracks when additional police officers used a“tactical stop”to get him off the road.

Boyle was then found to have driven using only a provisional licence and arrested, before later admitting his guilt at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

A deferral for background reports followed and Boyle made his way back to court last week, when procurator fiscal Yolande Love described his irresponsible driving:“At 3.15am, police were on patrol and saw the accused’s car parked in the McDonald’s car park. They then saw the accused approach the car and drive off.

“Police activated their lights to get him to stop and he didn’t do so. Officers continued their pursuit and the accused was driving in excess of the speed limit.

“He joined the M73 motorway and exited at the junction at Gartcosh. He then drove through a red traffic light and police were still pursuing.

“The accused approached a roundabout from the opposing side and around it in the wrong direction.

“Other police cars joined the pursuit and the accused drove into Muirhead at excess speed.

“Officers used a tactical stop to bring the accused’s car to a halt and he was arrested and taken to Coatbridge police office.”

Boyle’s defence solicitor admitted his client had struggled to justify his actions:“He is candid enough to acknowledge there is little mitigation for driving of this standard.

“Strangely, no other drivers were inconvenienced.

“He offers his apologies and accepts this could’ve ended very differently.

“He pled guilty and is complying with an outstanding unpaid work order. He would be willing to comply with a restriction of liberty order.”

Sheriff Morag Galbraith chose to give Boyle a chance to prove he could continue to engage with his unpaid work order – and keep out of further trouble.

She told Boyle:“I will defer sentencing and get good behaviour and up-to-date community payback order progress reports.

“I expect a fair number of hours to be shifted [on his other order].”

Boyle’s return court date was then scheduled for June 21.