Teen biker tried to outrun police

The new £24 million Inverness Justice Centre opened yesterday and heard only the case of a Ross-shire teenager who tried to outrun police on his 160cc mini-moto motorcycle.

Due to the current Covid-19 crisis, very little business is being scheduled for all Highland courts and Inverness has been established as a hub for Wick, Tain, Elgin, Fort William and Portree sheriff courts.

Josh McLaren, of Achnagarron, Invergordon, appeared from custody before Sheriff Sara Matheson.

The 19-year-old admitted driving carelessly and without insurance on various

“He was seen weaving about the road before entering a field”

roads in the Alness Point Business Park on March 13.

Depute fiscal Niall Macdonald told the court that police had received a report of two young bikers and went to investigate.

“On seeing the police, the bikers separated by doing a U-turn in opposite directions and drove away.

“McLaren was not wearing a helmet. He sped up at one point, pursued by the police, and was seen weaving about the road before entering a field, where he stalled,” added Mr Macdonald.

“This allowed the officers to catch up with him.”

Defence solicitor Rory Gowans said his client had been on remand since March 16 and asked the sheriff to take this into account.

Sheriff Matheson told McLaren: “In view of the time you have spent in custody on remand, I will admonish you and endorse your licence with six penalty points.”