A Moray motorist has been told he could face a prison sentence after “violently” grabbing the steering wheel of his ex-girlfriend’s car.
Shannon Clark’s vehicle veered across the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road before vaulting a fence – eventually coming to rest in a field.
Yesterday, Josh Anderson, from Elgin, pleaded guilty to culpably and recklessly taking control of the vehicle when he appeared at the town’s sheriff court.
The force of the impact burst a tyre on the car and resulted in Miss Clark seeking medical assistance for headaches, back aches and bruises.
Fiscal Kevin Corries explained Anderson, 23, had been drinking with friends in Elgin on March 11 before Miss Clark collected him at about 10pm.
However, an argument began in the car during the drive while passing Bogton Farm, near Lhanbryde, after allegations of cheating were discussed between the pair, who have since split up.
Mr Corrins said: “The accused makes a comment similar to ‘I love this’ and at this point reaches across and takes hold of the car’s steering wheel and pushes it away from him.
“That causes the vehicle to veer across the oncoming carriageway while travelling between 50mph and 60mph.
“The car then leaves the road, becomes airborne to the extent it clears a fence and enters a field.”
Witnesses who were following the car on the A96 described the vehicle behaving “fairly normally” before suddenly veering off the road.
Other motorists stopped to check on the condition of the driver and passenger before emergency services were called to the scene.
Miss Clark initially declined medical treatment before she decided to visit her doctor several days after the incident. Anderson refused medical help.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty admitted his client, who is already serving a prison sentence for an unrelated matter, could face an extended period behind bars.
He said: “It’s a serious matter. He’s now amassing something of a record. The first thought of the court will be a period of custody but I believe in this instance there are alternatives.”
Anderson, of Kirkhill Court in Elgin, had his sentence deferred until July 24 for reports to be prepared.
