Dangerous driver spared jail

An Airdrie man who almost caused a head- on collision while driving dangerously through Coatbridge has avoided jail.

John McDonald, 27, ended up crashing into an embankment as he tried to evade police attention on Waverley Street and Coatbridge Road in October 2016.

The Merrick Court resident caused a fellow road user to brake sharply as he crossed onto the opposite side of the carriageway.

He tried to run off when his car had engine trouble, but was later apprehended.

After pleading guilty, McDonald will now carry out unpaid work as well as being banned from the road for 18 months.

The procurator fiscal told the court: “At around 1am on the day in question, police were in an unmarked vehicle and saw a dark Ford Focus with two males on board.

“It was on Sunnyside Road and approaching the junction with Burnbank Street, which they failed to negotiate, so officers followed.

“On Burnbank Street they saw him continue at an excessive speed and accelerate away. Police called on the radio for other units to attend.

“On Waverley Street, as it becomes Coatbridge Road, he crossed onto the opposing carriageway, causing an oncoming vehicle to perform an emergency stop to avoid a head-on collision.

“The accused’s car then struck an embankment and went onto two wheels, nearly tipping over.

“He regained control and drove off at speed.

“Police stayed in contact and he then suffered engine problems.

“He made off but was seen on CCTV and apprehended a short time later.

“He was cautioned and charged at Coatbridge police office.”

McDonald’s defence solicitor, Mark Sloan, said: “It’s a good report, thankfully, and he does understand the seriousness of these matters.

“He apologises for his behaviour and the two weeks he spent in custody was the first time he experienced that.

“He’s had difficulties in his life and has additional special needs.

“He’s an immature individual and is distressed at the thought of being incarcerated.”

Sheriff Petra Collins said: “This was very dangerous driving.

“I’ll impose a community payback order which will consist of 120 hours of unpaid work.

“I have reduced this from 160 due to your plea of guilt.

“You’ll also be disqualified from driving for 18 months and must resit your test before you are allowed to drive again.”

Violent outburst

A Moodiesburn man who terrified his partner during a violent outburst has been sentenced to unpaid work.

Dunkeld Lane’s Kevin Brophy, 30, snapped a door in half at a Salsburgh property in February.

He also kicked a chest of drawers, pulled curtains down and started pulling out kitchen drawers and cupboards.

His defence solicitor said: “This was bizarre behaviour. “There’s been a gap in his offending. “It’s a very full report and he doesn’t have a difficulty with alcohol; it’s just when he drinks it, it affects his behaviour.

“He remembers little of this incident but accepts full responsibility for his actions.

“His partner wants the relationship to continue and he’s spent a period on remand due to a breach of bail.

“He knows that the circumstances of this, along with his previous convictions, mean custody is a possibility but I believe an alternative is suitable.”

Sheriff Petra Collins said: “With some hesitation I will deal with this in the following way.

“You’ll be under a community payback order with supervision for 15 months.

“You’ll also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work which I have reduced from 180 due to your plea of guilt.”

Caught skulking

A Coatbridge man who was caught skulking around a housing estate has been sentenced for admitting to being there with the intention to commit theft.

Kieran Travers, 27, was seen trying to open cars and looking through the windows of properties on Meadow Walk in March.

When police arrived, he lied that he was, “looking for his bird”.

The procurator fiscal said: “At 6am the witness was leaving for work when she saw a male looking in the front of a property with his hood up.

“The male observed her and walked to another garden and she phoned police.

“Another witness was in her home address when she saw him looking into another property and try some car and house doors.

“Police were called and when they arrived he said he was looking for his ‘bird’.

“He was then asked her name and where she stayed to which he replied, ‘I don’t know I was just looking for her’.”

Travers’ defence solicitor, Paul Belardo, said: “He got himself into a situation through his drinking and says he has no recollection of this.

“His alcohol and substance misuse has been a struggle for him in recent months.

“He says he is sober now but is concerned at the possible outcome of this. “He is fit to do unpaid work.” Sheriff Petra Collins said: “You will do 120 hours of unpaid work in the next eight months.”

He crossed onto the opposite carriageway, causing an oncoming vehicle to brake sharply