Man drove at dad over abuse claim

A MAN who wrongly believed his father had sexually abused his sister drove his car on to a pavement at speed — forcing his dad to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.

Following the incident, painter and decorator Colin Simpson, 24, led police on a high-speed chase through various streets in Dundee.

Simpson admitted a charge of dangerous driving at the city’s sheriff court.

Fiscal depute Charmaine Gilmartin told the court that on October 6 2016, Mr Simpson Snr was on a footpath near a roundabout in Clepington Road when he heard tyres screeching.

The accused was seen approaching the roundabout and driving around it at a speed in excess of 30mph. His vehicle mounted the kerb and was on the same pavement as his dad.

As a result, Colin Simpson Snr had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the car.

The accused carried out a U-turn at speed into oncoming traffic and exited the roundabout.

His father contacted police.

The fiscal depute said two police officers saw the accused driving a Renault Laguna at speed in Derwent Avenue, turning right in to Kirkton Crescent on the opposing lane, narrowly avoiding a marked police car. The police officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and made a U-turn in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

The accused drove off at speed, turning right in to Kirkton Avenue, left in to Haldane Terrace and building up to speeds in excess of 70mph, failing to stop at the give way sign at Haldane Avenue and proceeding into Haldane Terrace where he was lost to view.

The accused was eventually traced through a warrant.

Solicitor Paul Parker Smith said there had been a rift in the family because of the allegation by the accused’s sister that had proved to be false and was acknowledged by her to be untrue.

He said the accused drove towards his father to “make a point”, adding that it was not an attempt to strike him.

Simpson stopped the car and shouted “You beast, you dirty beast,” Mr Parker Smith said, adding that Colin Simpson Snr had “long since forgiven him” and had visited him in prison.

Sheriff Alastair Brown deferred sentence until February 9 for reports.

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Dundee Sheriff Court