An Oban man who was chased by police as he drove his car through the town centre while banned has been jailed.
James Hendry admitted driving dangerously in Stevenson Street, Sinclair Drive, Glencruitten Street and Mossfield Avenue when he appeared at Oban Sheriff Court yesterday.
The 34-year-old also admitted driving while disqualified and with no insurance on October 2.
Hendry was jailed for nine months, banned from driving for two years, and ordered to resit his driving test.
Fiscal Eoin McGinty said: “Police officers were driving in Oban town centre when they saw a Volkswagen Golf and noticed the driver and sole occupant was James Hendry, known to them as a disqualified driver.
“Police turned round and started following the vehicle in Stevenson Street. They activated blue lights indicating the driver to pull in. However the Golf increased its speed and drove away from police towards Combie Street causing another vehicle to have to brake sharply.
“His vehicle continued at speed into Glencruitten Road. Police weren’t able to say exactly what speed he was doing because he was getting away from them, but he was displaying an utter disregard for other road users.
“He then turned into Quarry Road and Sinclair Drive. In Sinclair Drive he ignored a stop sign and a car coming in the opposite direction had to stop, whilst the accused mounted the pavement.
“He then proceeded until police decided it was too dangerous to continue. The chase was stood down but police continued to drive around at a normal speed simply looking for the vehicle.”
Hendry, of 1 Hill Street, Oban, was spotted a short time later walking in Argyll Square.
He was arrested and his car found “secreted” in an alleyway next to the Royal Hotel. Discovered nearby was a jumper and hat he had been wearing.
Solicitor Edward Thornton said Hendry’s behaviour was an “act of gross stupidity”, and told the court he thought he was doing his mother a favour by driving the car – which is registered to his partner – up the hill to her home.
Mr Thornton said: “He panicked when he saw the police.”
Sheriff Ruth Anderson QC said: “He has a terrible record and this was a bad example of dangerous driving in the town.”
