An “immature” driver who raced through a school zone at high speed and crashed his car into another vehicle has been banned from getting behind the wheel.

Glen Still admitted to speeding, taking sharp bends in the wrong lane and tailgating on roads in Aberdeenshire.

The 23-year-old trainee scaffolder caused a car crash when he lost control of his vehicle, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.

Still’s own solicitor described him as “immature” and said his actions could have resulted in “catastrophic circumstances”.

Fiscal depute Ryan Diamond told the court that police were on mobile patrol on July 2 2020 when they became aware of Still’s vehicle driving over the 30mph speed limit.

Still accelerated ‘aggressively’

Officers said that Still’s vehicle then accelerated “aggressively” and overtook another vehicle while driving in the wrong lane, causing the car in front to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

“Blue lights were then activated by the police with the intention of stopping the accused’s vehicle.

“The accused’s car then aggressively accelerated and turned right on Deeside Brae, Aberdeen, as police followed.

“The vehicle was temporarily lost from view but was found a short time later parked and the accused appeared to be exiting the vehicle on foot.”

Striking another vehicle

The following month, Mr Diamond told the court that members of the public were driving on the B9002 when Still’s car was seen driving “far in excess of the speed limit”.

Other drivers became concerned due to the manner of his driving and that he appeared to be “tailgating” one motorist’s car.

Upon entering the village of Oyne, Still dangerously overtook one car while in a 50mph zone.

“As a matter of fact, at that time, school lights were active in the area”, Mr Diamond said.

“A member of the public who was driving on the B9002 observed the accused take a sharp right-hand bend in the opposing carriageway.

“As he turned left, the accused’s vehicle began to skid and the accused lost control of the vehicle, subsequently striking another vehicle on the front offside, causing substantial damage – including a broken wheel arch.

“The accused’s vehicle also sustained significant damage to its rear offside, including denting, a smashed window and the offside airbag being deployed.”

Still pleaded guilty to one charge of driving dangerously and a further charge of driving in excess of the speed limit and causing an accident.

Lost his job

Defence agent Caitlin Pirie told the court that, around the time of the offences, Still had lost his job and had been “taking illicit substances” to cope.

She added: “He knows that this is not an excuse for this type of driving. He knows that the manner of his driving was unacceptable. These offences are a result of immaturity and he is embarrassed.

“He has certainly been able to show remorse and has been able to identify that this could have resulted in catastrophic circumstances.

“Fortunately there was no injury to himself or to others as a result of the driving.”

Sheriff Karen Kirk told Still: “The court takes seriously both these offences that you have pleaded guilty to.

“The nature of them is so serious that they could have had catastrophic results for you.”

Sheriff Kirk banned Still, of Netherton, Westhill in Aberdeenshire, from driving for 19 months and fined him a total of £1,000.

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