Driver spared jail after road offences

A MAN who had been disqualified from driving and failed to resit his test was caught at the wheel of a vehicle just yards away from a police station.

David Cross, of Shettleston Road, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to driving offences committed on Pettigrew Street in Shettleston.

The court heard that it was around mid-day on December 18, 2020, when the 31-year-old was stopped by police.

The procurator fiscal said: “Police witnesses on patrol observed the vehicle.

“After routine stop checks, it was discovered the driver had been disqualified and the accused volunteered this information to the police officers.

“He then admitted he had no insurance.”

Cross’s solicitor explained that his client’s disqualification period had expired, but he had not resat the driving test.

He added: “The decisionmaking was poor. The locus here is quite important because it was just a street down from a police station. There was a high risk he would cross paths with police.

“His record does himself no favours however he was a victim of a horrific assault and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“In fairness to him, he has brought his life together.

“He has a partner who has been a suitable influence on him. They have two children together and he is an active father.

“My submission is that a community-based disposal is appropriate. He is desperate to remain part of his family’s life.”

The sheriff ordered Cross to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and disqualified him from driving for eight months.