Disqualified driver jailed

A man who was caught driving while disqualified for the fifth time has been jailed for nearly four months.

David McFarlane, 56, has also been banned from the roads for five years thanks to his actions on January 8 this year.

The Dunbeth Court resident appalled Sheriff Derek O’Carroll with his record which showed four previous convictions for the same offence, dating back to 2001.

McFarlane pleaded guilty to the charge at Airdrie Sheriff Court, but initially denied one offence from 2008.

He stated he was in Australia at the time and wasn’t convicted for a driving while disqualified charge.

However, as Sheriff O’Carroll prepared to read out his sentencing, McFarlane changed his mind and asked his defence solicitor, John McGeechan, to change his stance on the prior offence.

The procurator fiscal read: “On January 8 this year, police officers saw a Jaguar on the road and decided to follow it.

“They eventually asked it to stop and spoke to the accused. “He was alone in the car. “One of the officers recognised him from a previous involvement.

“He was cautioned before being asked if he had re-sat his test.

“Data showed he had been disqualified and confirmed he hadn’t re-sat his test.

“The vehicle was seized and the accused was detained.”

Solicitor McGeechan argued: “There is an unfortunate set of circumstances behind this, which he regrets.

“He’s definitely having trouble grasping the concept of what disqualified driver means.

“When he lived in Australia he sat a test over there, and didn’t realise that his ban would still apply here when he moved back.

“He has taken himself to the brink of prison – and knows this.

“The report addresses his physical difficulties and indicates a restriction of liberty may help him.”

Sheriff O’Carroll ruled: “Prison is the only sentence for you as you have four previous convictions for this.

“You’ll spend 15 weeks in jail and I have discounted this from 20 due to your plea.

“You’ll be disqualified from driving for five years and must sit the extended test before you are able to get your licence back.”

Violent rampage

An Airdrie man who rampaged his way through the town centre has been told to carry out unpaid work.

Aleksandrs Mickevics, 32, pleaded guilty to conducting a bizarre episode in broad daylight on Graham Street earlier this year, during which he picked up a random woman in the street before falling backwards with her in his arms.

The Calderglen Court resident also kicked advertising boards, shouted at members of the public and tried to smash a window with a pair of pliers on January 14.

He’ll now carry out 120 hours of unpaid work for his actions.

The procurator fiscal read: “The accused was heavily intoxicated and started screaming and shouting at the roadside.

“He arrived at the main locus, Costa Coffee, in possession of pliers and used them to bang the table outside.

“He also smashed an ash tray and swung the weapon around his head.

“Police were called and they traced him a short distance away.

“He was searched and arrested after the pliers were found.”

Mickevics’ solicitor, John McGeechan, agreed after Sheriff Derek O’Carroll said he “wasn’t considering a custodial sentence” upon hearing the fiscal’s narration.

Sheriff O’Carroll went on to say: “I will impose a community payback order with one component.

“That is 120 hours of unpaid work which must be completed in the next six months.”

Stalker punished

A Coatbridge woman who subjected four people to a campaign of terror and abuse has avoided jail.

Valerie Nisbet, 48, will carry out 100 hours and remain under supervision for two years due to her disgraceful behaviour which took place during a two-week period last summer.

Nisbet, of Academy Street, admitted the charges as well as one relating to the abuse and assault of her ex-partner in November.

She targeted and alarmed residents on three local streets, including Kirkwood Place, Torridon Street and Bank Street.

She also acted-up at Claddan View in Glenmavis.

Some of her misdemeanours included repeatedly playing loud music outside homes and sounding her car horn, throwing rubbish at properties, leaving unwanted gifts, throwing eggs at homes, smothering cars with newspapers and milk and posting eggs through letterboxes.

After being bailed under special conditions last year in relation to her bullying, Nisbet then visited one of her victims at their workplace in Chapelhall in October.

Less than a month later, she assaulted her former partner when she followed him to his Kirk Street home before lashing out and stealing his glasses.

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll said: “I am satisfied I can deal with this by way of an alternative to custody.

“You will carry out 100 hours of unpaid work which I have reduced from 120.

“I am also placing you under a nonharrasment order for two years.”

Prison is the only sentence for you as you have four previous convictions for this