Disgraced motorist seeks help at Cocaine Anonymous

A motorist who flaunted a driving ban smashed into a line of parked cars in a narrow street in

Coatbridge.

Joseph Farrell, 41, of the town’s Langloan Street, drove while disqualified on Woodhall Avenue, Kirkwood, on December 21.

He admitted driving dangerously and at excessive speed, losing control of the car, mounting a pavement and colliding with a parked car.

Farrell continued to drive and crashed into more parked cars, a wheelie bin and a lamp post; pedestrians were forced to take evasive action.

He attempted to reverse back on the pavement, but was prevented from doing so by pedestrians.

Prosecutor Flora Walsh told Airdrie Sheriff Court :“He was disqualified from driving at this court on November 23, 2017.

“In this recent incident he was driving at excessive speed.

“He was swerving and mounted the kerb and collided with a parked car.

“He continued and caused damage to a number of cars, then struck a bin and a lamp post.”

Farrell’s lawyer added:“He was driving a mobility vehicle belonging to his sister, provided to her by the state.

“He has accepted his responsibility from the outset and his 31 other offences since 2002.

“Since his release from custody in 2018, he went to Cocaine Anonymous and has been making progress.

“This driving episode was a very stupid mistake. He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Sheriff Fergus Thomson told Farrell:“I have listened very carefully to everything that has been said on your behalf. These are serious matters.”

Farrell was put on a community payback order, including 15 months of supervision.

He was also electronically tagged for six months, reduced from nine months because of his early plea.

Farrell was also banned from driving for two years and ordered to resit his driving test.