Traffic helped police in high-speed chase

COURT: Dangerous driver travelling at over 100mph slowed down by Dundee congestion

A dangerous driver frustrated a police stinger during a car chase across south Angus – only to be stopped by traffic at Claypotts junction.

Scott Fraser from Dundee drove his Nissan Primera at 109mph on the A92 dual carriageway and 60mph in the built-up outskirts of the city as he was pursued after a routine MOT check in June.

The 33-year-old appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted driving dangerously from the outskirts of Carnoustie towards Arbroath – and all the way back to Dundee.

The court heard Fraser took two “tactical contacts” – where skilled police drivers nudge vehicles so they spin off the road as safely as possible – and limped into Dundee after his tyres blew out.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode described how the drama began to unfold.

“At 4.10pm constables were in a lay-by of the A92 in a marked car at the Halfway Garage at Carnoustie,” he explained

The patrol car pulled out after the accused and activating its lights. “The car didn’t stop and accelerated. “Constable Hay informed control that a pursuit was initiated.

“At that point the accused braked sharply and came off at Muirdrum.

“Constable Mackie then made tactical contact, spinning the car 180 degrees and causing it to stop on the grass verge.

“He was facing east and rejoined the A92. The Primera was now travelling at speeds between 100mph and 110mph.”

Fraser took the Elliot roundabout outside Arbroath in lane two, and headed back toward Dundee.

Fraser undertook two vehicles at the Upper Victoria junction outside Carnoustie, two stationary cars at the Ethiebeaton roundabout at Monifieth having slowed to 60mph in the 40mph zone, and went back up to 70mph.

Mr Kermode added: “Sergeant Fairbairn deployed a stinger across both lanes. All four wheels went over and he continued to East Balgillo Road roundabout.

“To get around traffic he mounted a verge and hit a car, nearside.

“He continued on the roundabout, undertaking all cars towards Claypotts at 30mph, perhaps because of the deflated tyres.”

Fraser had to reduce speed significantly because of built-up traffic.

“Tactical contact was made again on the nearside, where the accused lost control, mounted a verge and went through a fence.”

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred sentence to September 11 and disqualified Fraser from driving meantime.

Fraser, of Findon Terrace, admitted driving dangerously at excessive speed on June 23, repeatedly overtaking on the inside lanes of the A92, striking a car and driving with flat tyres, without insurance, a licence, or valid MOT.

To get around traffic he mounted a vergeandhit a car. DEPUTE FISCAL BILL KERMODE

How the ordeal unfolded.