An “inexperienced” Angus driver whose sporty hatchback ended up on its roof after he took a bend too quickly has escaped losing his licence.
Aaron Smith left his Honda Integra through its boot after losing control of the car and smashing two walls on both sides of the Montrose to Brechin road at Dun.
The 22-year-old appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted careless driving along the A935 on June 6, which was described by his defence agent as down to “slight over-exuberance and inexperience”.
The first offender’s 1.8-litre engine car caused “significant” damage to farm boundary walls near the Stracathro junction and left a 100-metre trail of debris behind it.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the crash happened around 7.45pm and its aftermath was witnessed by another motorist driving behind Smith as he left Montrose and “took off at speed”.
Smith shouted for help and left the car via the boot, which Mr Kermode described as “the only accessible point of the car”.
Passing ambulance staff pulled over and examined Smith, who had a “bruised ear” but escaped other injury.
Police believed Smith, of Nether Dysart, came round the bend at speed and skidded after applying his brakes.
Mr Kermode said the accused told police he was driving at no more than 65mph before the accident, and had tried to move off cats’ eyes after the bend but had lost control of the car’s rear.
Solicitor Nick Markowski said Smith had passed his test in July 2013, adding: “He’s learned his lesson.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio fined Smith £300 and gave him five penalty points.