A Montrose man who drove his brother’s car without a licence caused a three-car crash in the town.
John Brand, of Montrose High Street, then ran away from the scene of the accident.
The 23-year-old admitted four driving charges at Forfar Sheriff Court including driving without insurance or a licence and failing to stop or give his name and address.
Brand had failed to keep a safe braking distance at traffic lights on North Esk Road, hitting another vehicle which then collided with a car in front.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court that the accused and his brother had spoken to each other at his brother’s flat at around 2am.
Brand left the flat shortly afterwards but later that day was seen by a witness driving a blue Citroen Saxo.
“The accused hit a car from behind which then was shunted forward into the vehicle in front,” Ms Drummond said.
“All the drivers observed the accused examine the driver’s side of the blue Saxo before leaving the locus and disappear from view to the south of the Lochside Bar.
“He was seen with a fresh bloody injury to his forehead.
“Police attended the scene of the accident and the accused was identified. That’s when the other offences came to light.”
Defence agent Billy Rennie said: “It was his brother’s car and it was a stupid decision by him to take it out.
“He is currently in custody on another matter and has a liberation date of June 2.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray disqualified Brand from holding a licence for one year for the offence involving the accident.