Audi speed was too fast for cops

Fined after fleeing from tourist car park

A motorist was this week fined £675 for driving at speeds of up to 80mph on the Stockiemuir Road near Blanefield.

Amran Ahmed had been driving an Audi at speeds estimated to be between 75mph to 80mph on the road late on June 4 this year.

The 24-year-old had originally been charged with dangerous driving, but at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday he admitted an amended charge of careless driving.

The fiscal depute told the court that two police officers had been on mobile patrol at 11.20pm and as they approached the Queen’s View car park they observed three vehicles.

The accused, she said, was driving “a very distinctive” Audi. The police tried to block the Audi from leaving, but its driver was able to drive round a traffic island and exit the car park.

The officers thought the Audi was not going to stop and engaged their vehicle’s blue lights. They tried to go after the Audi, but it “took off at speed” and they decided not to pursue the car.

The road’s speed limit was 60mph, but Ahmed was driving at speeds of between 75mph and 80mph, she said.

They were however able to locate the Audi at Ahmed’s Bearsden home address. When they got there they noted its bonnet was still warm.

Officers spoke to Ahmed who admited he had been driving the Audi earlier on.

Ahmed’s agent told Sheriff Christopher Shead his client is a warehouse operator and required his driving licence for his job.

The lawyer pointed out Ahmed had been with men of a similar age at the Queen’s View car park who made their way off when police arrived. He added that Ahmed wasn’t aware it was the police and was ‘spooked’ by the vehicle’s arrival.

The solicitor said Ahmed, who has an income of £800 per month, was able to pay “a substantial financial penalty”.

Sheriff Shead fined Ahmed £675 reduced from £750 due to his guilty plea. He also endorsed his licence with six penalty points reduced from seven points.