Car smash driver hid in bushes

A young driver who crashed his car into a metal motorway barrier – which led to the vehicle going up in flames – has been banned from the roads.

Drugged-up Lewis Robertson had two pals in his Vauxhall Astra when he smashed into the barrier on a busy stretch of East Renfrewshire motorway.

Robertson and his pals then hid in nearby bushes for “a couple of hours” while worried cops carried out a search, concerned about the vehicle’s passengers’ welfare.

The 20-year-old yesterday admitted at Paisley Sheriff Court to driving without “due care and attention” on September 9 last year on the M77 when he drove onto the grass verge and collided with and damaged a barrier.

Robertson also admitted to driving while under the influence of a Class-A drug.

Robertson had 26mg of cocaine per litre of blood in his system.

This exceeded the limit of 10mg per litre of blood.

Procurator fiscal depute Mr Alexander told the court:

“Around 1.30am, the accused was driving a Vauxhall Astra with two passengers in the car.

“As the accused attempted to exit the motorway at junction five and leave via the southbound off slip, he drove onto the grass area.

“As the vehicle entered the grass area, it has struck a metal barrier and a road sign.

“Due to the vehicle hitting the barrier, the car has come to a stop and as a result, the vehicle caught fire and smoke began to emanate from it.

“The accused and the two passengers exited the vehicle and walked away before emergency services attended.

“They walked along the A726 and police information is all three hid in bushes for a couple of hours.

“Police and the Scottish fire service attended and the flames were extinguished.

“Due to the nature of the crash, the police were concerned for the driver and passengers of the vehicle and a search was carried out.

“Officers found the accused and the passengers in bushes nearby.

“The accused confirmed he was the driver and a saliva sample was taken which tested positive for cocaine.

“Robertson was then taken to the Glasgow Infirmary where it was confirmed there were no lasting injuries.

“Due to testing positive for an illicit substance, the usual procedures were carried out and the accused provided two blood samples.

“These confirmed he had 26mg of cocaine per litre of blood.”

Robertson, of Woodbank Road, Crosshouse, East Ayrshire, chose to represent himself at the court hearing.

Robertson had provided the court with a letter detailing his personal circumstances – stating that he lives at home with his parents and that he is currently employed.

Robertson also stated: “The summary said that police found me but I found them.”

Sheriff Duffy imposed a total fine of £740 and ordered this to be paid at the rate of £20 per week.

In addition, Robertson was banned from driving for 12 months reduced from 18 months to reflect the timing of his early guilty pleas.