Driver who ran red light is banned

Three youngsters were almost hit by a car as they walked to school after an OAP ran a red light.

The kids were crossing a road at traffic lights in Linwood when 83-year-old Alexander McIntyre failed to stop.

Stunned cops chased the pensioner, who later claimed he didn’t see the red light due to being blinded by the sun.

Paisley Sheriff Court was told that McIntyre apologised and said straight away that he had not been able to see ahead properly as he had been temporarily dazzled by the bright sunlight.

When he appeared in the dock, he admitted driving dangerously and narrowly missing the youngsters in Clippens Road near its junction with Abernethy Drive, on November 23.

McIntyre, of Montrose Place, Linwood, accepted that he failed to maintain proper observations.

The court was told that the incident happened just before 9am.

When quizzed by police, the pensioner told them: “Due to the low sun, I couldn’t see clearly.”

A defence agent confirmed that was his client’s position, adding: “He realises that although it’s an explanation, it is not an excuse.”

The lawyer said that the accused, a first offender, had got such a shock from what happened that he had not driven since the incident and had no intention of driving again.

“He has changed his routine,” he added, “and now takes a bus or taxi.”

Sheriff Seith Ireland disqualified him for 12 months and said the fine would have been £ 500 but would be reduced to £350 as a discount for his early guilty plea.

McIntyre agreed to pay the financial penalty within 28 days.