Driver banned ...then gloats on social media

A shameless Plains man bragged on Facebook after being banned from driving.

On Wednesday at Airdrie Sheriff Court, Jason McHugh, 24, was ordered not to get behind the wheel of a car for 12 months after flouting an earlier driving ban.

However, shortly after being sentenced, the unrepentant dad-of-one wrote on Facebook: “Easy days, a year ban”; before describing his appearance as a “canter”.

McHugh, of Brownieside Place, went on to admit he was “expecting about five, too”.

A friend commented: “Result! Hope you remembered to say thank you to the guy with a silly wig and hammer!”

McHugh replied: “I started laughing bro, f****** dancer!”

On July 12, McHugh drove on the M80 northbound despite being banned for six months in June.

Traffic cops identified him as someone who shouldn’t have been on the road and pulled him over.

The procurator fiscal told the court: “The charges largely speak for themselves.

“At 9.25am, police saw him driving and recognised him as a disqualified driver.

“He was pulled over and then arrested.”

McHugh’s defence solicitor said: “He spent four nights in custody prior to initially appearing on this.

“You’ll see his explanation in the report; it was because work was available to him. “It was a foolish decision to drive. “He’s in a long-term relationship; he has his own company but also works for KSA recovery, who have written a letter for you today.”

After Sheriff David Young read the letter, the solicitor continued: “He accepts responsibility and doesn’t try to justify it with an excuse – it’s more of an explanation.

“He was disqualified on June 6 for six months so it was due to expire in early December.

“I’d invite you to consider a community payback order with large hours of unpaid work as well as six penalty points.”

Sheriff Young mused: “I consider that a big ask.

“This is a disqualified driver who chose to drive just because work was available to him.”

McHugh’s solicitor responded: “He accepts it was soon after his ban, but I ask you to consider the positive report, his nights in custody and his employment. “He provides for a young family. “Six points would put him on nine in total so he would require to drive very carefully in the future.”

Sheriff Young ruled: “You were aware of your ban yet made the decision to drive.

“You decided to take the risk for financial gain.

“You have a number of road traffic convictions along with the ban, so another ban is appropriate here.

“That will be for 12 months and you will also be fined £200.”