Lochgelly pursuit driver made getaway over golf course

Uninsured driver hits speeds of 100mph on dual carriageway while police followed

A Fife driver led police on a 100mph chase across a football pitch then a fairway in a banger he bought online.

Stewart Munnoch’s escape route took him and two passengers straight down the middle of Cowdenbeath Golf Course before he abandoned the Honda Civic and hid in the woods.

He had hit speeds of 100mph on a dual carriageway and 80mph in built-up areas with 30mph limits.

Munnoch, 23, of South Street, Lochgelly, was jailed at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said that around 9pm, Munnoch had picked up two friends in Lochgelly.

At 9.55pm they were travelling towards Markinch when he was spotted by a police patrol.

Officers carried out checks and found out that the car was not insured.

Unemployed Munnoch drove through built-up streets in the Lochgelly area for about 20 minutes before going on to the golf course.

Three police units and a dog handler were brought in before he was captured.

Defence solicitor Ian Beatson said his client had bought the car via Facebook a few days before and was aware he was not insured to drive it.

Sheriff Charles Macnair said: “You drove for an extended period in the most appalling manner and at a time when you could expect there to be pedestrians about.

“Indeed it was a time when some of those pedestrians may have been out drinking and they would not be expecting someone to be driving through the streets of built-up areas at 80mph.

“You put yourself, your passengers, the police and pedestrians at risk.”

Munnoch admitted that on September 8 on the A92 westbound from Redhouse roundabout towards Kirkcaldy West junction, the B981 Kirkcaldy West roundabout to Cardenden and various roads in Cardenden and Lochgelly, he drove a car dangerously by repeatedly driving at excessive speeds.

He further admitted he drove without insurance.

The sheriff jailed Munnoch for six months and disqualified him from driving for two years.

He also granted forfeiture of the car.

Stewart Munnoch admitted driving car dangerously and at excessive speeds.