A Peterhead man was already banned from driving when he ran a red light, crashed his motorbike into a car and was flung from it before fleeing the scene on foot.
Simon Gemmell appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court today to be sentenced for a series of driving offences, all linked to the incident two months ago.
He returned to the dock after background reports on his circumstances were prepared for the sheriff.
In addition to using the vehicle without a licence, he also admitted to riding the bike dangerously and while uninsured.
Fiscal depute Anne Mann told the court that the collision happened around 11.45am on April 1 this year.
Serial road offender ran a red light
She said another motorist had been driving through a junction on Queen Street, Peterhead, when Gemmell ran a red light and hit the front offside of the victim’s car.
“The accused was thrown from his motorcycle,” she said, adding: “The accused got up and ran off down Back Street.”
The 31-year-old was apprehended by the police at his home later that day and taken to the hospital, where he was treated for “soft tissue” injuries before being arrested and charged.
Addiction was said to fuel Gemmell’s offending
Gemmell’s defence solicitor, Iain Jane, told the court that his client had previous convictions.
They included a driving ban.
The lawyer told the court that Gemmell had no objections to the bike being forfeited to the Crown.
He added that Gemmell, of Constitution Street, Peterhead, was making efforts to “break the cycle” of addiction, which fueled his offending, and that rehab was the “long-term aim”.
Mr Jane added: “He understands, My Lady, there is nothing mitigatory to put forward. There’s enough within the report to suggest there’s an alternative to custody.
“Disqualification is inevitable. He understands that disqualification will be nowhere near the minimum period.”
Sheriff handed offender an alternative to six months in jail
Sentencing him to a five-year road ban, Sheriff Annella Cowan also imposed a three-year supervision order.
Gemmell must attend any substance abuse programs offered by the social work department.
He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work within a year.
Sheriff Cowan added: “I will mark the papers that is a direct alternative to six months in custody.”