No jail time for dangerous driver who had knife

An East Kilbride man who admitted charges including having a knife and dangerous driving has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Even Niki Boland’s lawyer conceded there was good reason to jail his client.

However, Boland, 38, of Clyde Tower, escaped with a community payback order at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted driving dangerously on High Common Road, Maxwellton Road, Munro Place and elsewhere in East Kilbride in November 2018.

The court heard that Boland’s car was being driven too fast and kept veering onto the wrong side of the road.

Boland also admitted shouting abuse and illegal possession of a knife at Clyde Tower on June 9 last year.

He pleaded guilty to a further charge of driving on Calderwood Road, East Kilbride, while unfit through drink or drugs on August 23.

That offence happened when he was on bail.

Defence agent Kevin McCarron said background reports recommended an alternative to custody.

He told the court: “These offences are not trivial, they have accumulated and he has a record.

“There is ample justification for considering custody in this case.

“However, my client has a troubled background and if steered on the right path hopefully he can avoid further offending.”

Sheriff Thomas Millar told Boland he was prepared to place him under supervision in the community for 18 months.

He also banned him from driving for 32 months and ordered him to attend a programme for traffic offenders.

Boland was told he must pass his test again if he wants to drive when the ban ends.