A teenage driver who led police on a late-night chase through the heart of Forfar has been fined £750.
Blair Watson’s licence has also been left hanging by a thread when the 19-year-old gets it back from the DVLA after Forfar Sheriff Court heard the teenager’s permission to drive had been revoked for medical reasons.
Watson, of Camberlain, Forfar, appeared before Sheriff Gregor Murray.
He admitted driving a car carelessly in Castle Street, East High Street, Coutties Wynd and St James Road, Forfar, in November 2016.
He drove at speeds up to 45mph, failing to stop for a marked police vehicle and driving on the opposite side of the road.
Watson was initially charged with dangerous driving but a plea to the lesser offence of careless driving was accepted by the Crown.
Depute fiscal Clare Kennedy said the chase was sparked at around 11.40pm when police on routine patrol saw Watson’s car turn into Castle Street.
Police activated their blue lights and siren, but the teenage paint sprayer responded by speeding off from the scene.
“Upon seeing them he immediately accelerated away, driving at up to 45 miles an hour,” said the fiscal.
The pursuing police lost sight of Watson and his car was found, but he was not in it.
The court heard he was traced a couple of days later and charged with the offence.
Defence solicitor Brian Bell said the teenager had three points on his licence when it was revoked in 2016.
“It was revoked on medical grounds and the process for its return is that he would have to produce a letter from his GP, but why he has done nothing to resolve that situation is beyond me.”
Sheriff Murray told Watson: “This was a particularly bad bit of driving.
“You are very fortunate indeed to have this charge reduced to careless driving from dangerous.
“Rather than a meaningless period of disqualification, I will impose eight penalty points, which puts you right on the knife edge.”