Banned driver tried to fool police by giving his brother’s name

A banned driver who gave police his brother’s name after being pulled over on the Aberdeen to Dundee dual carriageway has been given a community payback order (CPO).

Callum Michie of Bridgefoot Farmhouse, near Dundee, told police he was Matthew Michie when he was stopped in August last year, but the ruse quickly unravelled when officers made further enquiries.

Michie’s agent said the 24-year-old took full responsibility for the offence.

“He knew he had been disqualified and made the foolish decision to try to pass himself off as his brother,” he told Forfar sheriff court.

“I don’t think it took any great feat of detection to work it out.

“He has had some considerable time to reflect on this, these offences were committed in August last year and with his record he realises they could possibly result in a custodial sentence. He is involved in a new business, which seems to have a bright future.

“He realises that he is now at the level where disqualification and fines are not going to be satisfactory for the court.”

Michie was banned for eight months and ordered to carry out 65 hours unpaid work as part of the CPO.

Also at Forfar: Jason King, 45, of Southesk Terrace, Brechin was placed on a five-month tagging order, restricting him to his home from 7pm to 7am.

King previously admitted forcing open a car wash machine at Mackie Cars in Brechin last February.

Solicitor Billy Rennie said: “He has a bad record but it all seems to be slowing down.”