Student pays the price for crashing mum’s car

Hefty fine for woman who borrowed new vehicle

15.09.2017 A student who borrowed her mum’s car and went for a spin ‘round the block’ ended up with points and a hefty fine.

Aminah Zahid, 21, of Lee Avenue, Neilston, ploughed into a neighbour’s motor after she swerved to avoid a dog on the road on June 12 last year.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard the business law graduate lost control in the town’s Braehead Avenue after taking her mother’s car without permission.

Fiscal depute John Penman said: “At around 5pm on Sunday June 12, last year, the accused drove on the manner described. There were witnesses nearby.

“The vehicle collided with an Audi Q3, which was stationery, and the car was one of the neighbour’s.

“She summoned the assistance of her mother, who lived nearby, and her mother came out and apologised to the party involved.

“Police attended and observed damage to both cars. The accused complied with police and it emerged she did not have the proper authority to drive the vehicle. “She was cautioned and charged.” The student, who is now doing a master’s course at Dundee University, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a motor vehicle without permission, driving carelessly, driving without paying due care and attention to other road users, failing to maintain proper control, driving on the opposite lane and colliding with a stationery car, causing damage to the vehicle.

Defence agent Mr Harper said: “My client accepts she drove in the manner described and in taking her mother’s car without consent.

“She has no explanation for this. She simply took it for a drive round the block and during this, a dog ran out, and in an attempt to avoid it she collided with a parked car.”

The lawyer added there was full repairs to both vehicles involved and Zahid, who fully complied with the authorities, regretted the incident.

Sheriff Tom McCartney said: “For each of the charges I will impose a fine of £300, moderated to £270 because of your guilty pleas, so you will be fined a total of £540.”

He also endorsed her licence with six points.