Driver blames police for his 114mph dash

COURT: Angus man claims he was ‘set up’ by unmarked car not activating lights as judge brands his actions ‘outrageous’

A driver has been slammed by a sheriff for suggesting police set him up by not activating the lights of their unmarked car earlier during an “outrageous” 114mph dual carriageway dash.

Traffic officers clocked Brandon Mason heading east at speed on the A92 between Dundee and Arbroath and set off in pursuit.

The Forfar 21-year-old thought the unmarked car was too close behind and put the foot down on the dual carriageway.

He was eventually pulled over at the Elliot roundabout on the outskirts of Arbroa th, where police then found cannabis in the car cleaner’s vehicle.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard the offence happened shortly before 6pm on October 15 2018 and, after commencing a check, officers reported Mason’s speed steadily increased.

When asked about the substance in the car – 0.4grammes of cannabis worth £4 – he told officers: “I don’t know.”

Defence solicitor Brian Bell said: “In the social work report, he indicates he felt he was set up.

“When the police first observed him,

“

Most people would slow down to the normal limit and let it go by but, instead of doing that, he decides to increase his speed and the car keeps up with him. DEFENCE SOLICITOR BRIAN BELL

he was exceeding the speed limit and indicates he was doing about 80mph. He became aware of a car behind, which he felt was close to him.

“Most people would slow down to the normal limit and let it go by but, instead of doing that, he decides to increase his speed and the car keeps up with him.

“In the report, he says he feels the police have some responsibility, but I have discussed that with him and he now accepts the responsibility is his.”

Mason, of Jeanfield Crescent, Forfar, admitted dangerous driving by travelling at excessive speed and repeatedly veering across his lane on the A92, and possessing cannabis.

The court heard Mason has a previous conviction for a serious road traffic matter and Sheriff Derek Reekie told him a prison sentence was an option.

“From what I can see, you obtain your licence in 2016 and, within six months, you’re disqualified for an offence of drink-driving.

“This is in October 2018, not particularly long after you got your licence back.

“What you said with regard to the police does you no credit whatsoever. You were already exceeding the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of road and to increase your speed to 114mph is quite outrageous.”

Mason was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work within nine months and was banned from the road for 27 months, after which he must sit an extended test.

The sheriff added: “I will admonish you on the other (cannabis) charge although I suspect that has something to do with your driving on this occasion.”