Driver who led cops a merry dance is spared jail
High-speed chase through city, towns and local village
A reckless Rutherglen driver who clocked speeds of 90 miles an hour during a police chase has been slammed for his “truly appalling” behaviour.
Pedestrians leapt for their lives and Bryan Prow’s Skoda narrowly missed a double decker bus and countless other vehicles during a pursuit that started and ended in East Kilbride.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that police officers had to give up the chase after crashing and bursting two tyres, but Prow was tracked down by a police helicopter.
Miraculously, there were no reported casualties during the high speed episode last August.
Prow, 23, of Colvend Drive, admitted driving dangerously and without insurance.
He was put under supervision for 15 months and banned from driving for two years. He was also fined £300 and must do 200 hours of unpaid community work.
Prow claimed he panicked and fled from the police because there was cannabis in his car.
Jennifer McLaren, prosecuting, said police “had concerns” about the Skoda when they saw it at 8.40pm.
Prow, whose girlfriend was in the passenger seat, ignored their signal to stop and sped off.
Officers chased his car from there along various roads in East Kilbride and then through Cathkin, Rutherglen, Castlemilk and Carmunnock.
Ms McLaren said Prow was often driving on the wrong side of the road, causing many other motorists to swerve to avoid hitting his car.
She told the court: “On Markethill Road, East Kilbride, he veered across the grass verge on to the other side of the dual carriageway and back again.
“He was seen overtaking on blind summits and at one point was doing 70 miles an hour in an area where the speed limit is 30.
“He put himself, his passenger and other road users in extreme danger.
“During the pursuit he went through a red light, failed to give way at a roundabout and narrowly avoided colliding with a double decker bus.”
Ms McLaren said the pursuing police car hit a kerb which resulted in two tyres being punctured, causing them to give up the chase.
But she added: “A police helicopter was also following the accused and the Skoda was seen to enter a car park in East Kilbride.
“Prow and his passenger tried to conceal themselves, but he was located and placed under arrest.”
Defence agent David Kinloch admitted his client’s driving was “totally stupid and irresponsible”.
The solicitor explained: “There was a degree of panic as there was a small amount of cannabis in the car. He was trying to protect his girlfriend.”
Sheriff Thomas Millar told Prow: “This was a truly appalling piece of driving that put you, your passenger and others at risk.
“In your favour, you are comparatively young and have only one minor previous conviction.
“I also take account of the fact that you are in employment and support your two children.
“I’m satisfied, on balance, that I can deal with you by way of a non-custodial sentence.”
As part of the supervision order, Prow must attend a road traffic offenders’ programme if required.