Wedding plans KO’d as groom-to-be is jailed

Banned driver gave brother’s name to cops

A man’s wedding plans have been left in total disarray after he was jailed for nine months at Perth Sheriff Court this week for lying to police.

A banned driver, 37-year-old Steven Sinclair, gave his brother’s details in a bid to avoid detection after he was pulled over near his home.

The accused, who was due to marry his partner on November 24, had only been freed from prison on a home detention curfew some three weeks earlier.

Sinclair, of Ferguson Park Road, was also disqualified for three years after he admitted driving while under ban in High Street, Hatton Road and Ferguson Drive, all Rattray, on June 26 this year.

He had no insurance cover and gave the bogus details in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte told the court that Sinclair was seen by police driving at about 3.20pm that day and a computer check revealed he had no insurance.

He then gave his name as Douglas Sinclair – his brother - with a date of birth of June 7, 1985.

Ms Whyte added: “He was allowed on his way but when police checked the following day, they discovered the computer image held for Douglas Sinclair wasn’t the accused.”

His real identity was “quickly established” and he was traced the following day.

Ms Whyte said: “He immediately admitted that he had provided his brother’s details as he knew he was disqualified from driving.”

Solicitor John McLaughlin said Sinclair had been given the vehicle and he intended to “do it up” for his partner.

The car had to be pushed to get it started and he was free-wheeling it to a nearby lock-up when he was seen by police.

He continued: “As a result of being arrested, his home detention curfew was recalled and he was back in prison.”

He was due to be released from that sentence in August and had made wedding plans for the autumn. The lawyer asked a community-based disposal be considered or any prison term be limited to allow his client to follow through on his wedding plans.

However, Sheriff William Wood noted that Sinclair had a “significant” record and that he had a history of not complying with court orders.

He said: “I am satisfied the only way the court can deal with this is by a custodial sentence.

“This was entirely avoidable and your wedding will have to be postponed.”

That would cause “upset” but the sheriff added: “You have brought it on yourself.”