Fife man found guilty of driving at 85mph during police chase

court: Martin Davidson’s claim a car thief was behind the offence branded preposterous

A Fife man, who does not hold a full licence, drove at speeds of 85mph through built-up areas during a police chase.

Martin Davidson drove down the road to his family’s farm and police gave up the pursuit fearing damage to their vehicle because of pot-holes.

During a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Davidson said someone had stolen his car and the mystery driver almost ran him over.

However, his version of events was described as “preposterous” and the 22-year-old, of Sinclair Drive, Cowdenbeath, was found guilty of a string of offences.

On September 23 2016 in Auchterderran Road, Lochgelly, the B981 Lochgelly to Cardenden Road, Jamphlars Road and Woodend Road, being the driver of a car he failed to stop when required to do so by a uniformed police officer.

On Grainger Street, Bank Street, Main Street, Zetland Place, Paul Street, High Street, Johnstone Crescent, Lochgelly Public Park and Auchterderran Road, all Lochgelly, the 981 Lochgelly to Cardenden road and tracks bordering Redhouse Farm, all Cardenden, he drove a car dangerously at grossly excessive speeds for the roads, failed to give way at marked junctions, mounted a pavement, accelerated harshly, negotiated bends at excessive speed, negotiated a roundabout at excessive speed, struggled to keep control of the vehicle and forced a pedestrian to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

He also drove as a holder of a provisional licence while not accompanied by a qualified driver and without displaying L plates and was driving without insurance.

Two police officers involved in the pursuit, which took place at 11.30pm, identified Davidson as the driver.

After hearing Davidson’s story about a thief going into his unlocked home then driving away with his car and later almost running him over, depute fiscal Alex Piper described it as “preposterous”.

Sheriff Craig McSherry did not believe him either, finding him guilty of all the charges.

He called for reports and Davidson will be sentenced on February 28.

The sheriff warned Davidson: “Given the driving here and your attitude throughout the trial, I’m considering a custodial sentence.”

Given the driving here and your attitude throughout the trial, I’m considering a custodial sentence. SHERIFF CRAIG MCSHERRY