Driver caught without insurance or L-plates keeps his licence

A young driver has clung on to his licence after taking to rural roads without insurance or L-plates.

Shaun Kydd was given a stern warning by a sheriff after admitting charges relating to May 26 last year on the B951 Kirriemuir to Glenisla road and Slade Road in Kirriemuir.

Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan said the attention of a patrolling police vehicle had been drawn to two vehicles which were closely following each other.

Officers tailed the cars, with one estimated to be travelling at up to 80 miles per hour.

Occupants of one of the cars then left their vehicle, and when extra support was called in, police found Kydd in possession of the keys to the car.

A police database check revealed the accused was only a provisional licence holder and had no insurance for the W-registered vehicle.

The 20-year-old, of Knowehead Crescent, Kirriemuir, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving carelessly and at excessive speed for the road and road conditions, and not being accompanied by a qualified driver or displaying L-plates.

Kydd was initially charged with dangerous driving but a guilty plea to the lesser offence of careless driving was accepted by the Crown.

Defence solicitor Brian Bell said Kydd, an apprentice joiner, had previously been convicted of dangerous driving.

“The social work report indicates a degree of regret and remorse, and he takes full responsibility for his actions,” added Mr Bell.

Sheriff Alison McKay told the accused: “You don’t have a driving licence, it is as simple as that.

“You previously managed to get yourself disqualified from driving before you even held a licence.

“Whatever happened this particular day, you should not have been behind the wheel of a car.

“Given that your first offence is some time ago and that you are in full-time employment, I am prepared to deal with this by way of a monetary penalty.”

Kydd was fined a total of £425 and had eight penalty points imposed on his licence.