Drove partner’s car without a licence

Man spared jail after taking vehicle

An Airdrie golf caddy drove off in his partner’s car after an argument – despite not holding a driving licence.

Paul McKenzie, 41, became embroiled in a spat with his other half at Hogmanay.

He appeared in Airdrie Sheriff Court last week after admitting to taking the woman’s vehicle when an argument broke out over her “reaction to a text message”.

McKenzie was also charged with driving without insurance or a valid licence.

The procurator fiscal told the court: “At the time they’d been in a relationship for seven months.

“They were in her home address and both of them retired upstairs at 4am.

“At around 12.30pm she woke up and asked the accused if he would leave, but he became aggressive and told her to ‘f*** off’.

“He went into the living room and picked up her car keys demanding her to ‘f*** off’ again.

“The accused then left the property in her vehicle and police were contacted. He had no insurance for the vehicle and also didn’t hold a driving licence.

“He was apprehended, cautioned and charged.”

Defence solicitor Paul Kelly argued: “This incident has been put behind my client and his partner involved in the charge.

“There was tension in the air due to her reaction to an earlier text message.

“My client made a very impulsive and foolish decision to take the vehicle and due to said tension she called police.

“The report paints him in a good light, although it does suggest he doesn’t take road traffic offences seriously enough.

“His record doesn’t do him any favours and he knows his liberty is at stake, but he’s anxious to avoid that to protect his employment and relationship.

“In context of his recent behaviour this was a one-off and he says it won’t happen again.

“He’s employed as a caddy and is asked to turn up for work at short notice as it’s impromptu.

“That impacted on a previous community payback order due to difficulties and that is agreed by the report writer.

“I would suggest he can comply with it as an alternative to custody and he knows he might not get another chance after this.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri told McKenzie: “I’ll impose an order consisting of 140 hours of unpaid work which will be reduced from 150 due to your plea.

“You have nine months to complete this and it’s an alternative to custody.”