A Chinese businessman claimed he got behind the wheel an hour after being banned by a court because he could not ask for help in English.
Wai Kong Chau had travelled to Perth from the west coast of Scotland in his Peugeot sports car to face a speeding charge.
He was handed a driving ban by the Justice of the Peace, which meant he could not legally make the return journey himself.
However, he was stopped on Canal Street, which starts just yards from the court building, one hour and ten minutes after being banned.
Chau, of High Street, Renfrew, admitted driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on Canal Street on May 5.
Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston said: “At 10am on May 5 the accused appeared at the Perth Justice of the Peace Court in relation to a speeding offence and was disqualified for three months.
“Information was reported to police officers to that effect.
“At 11.10am officers on duty saw the accused driving his vehicle.
“He was stopped but the accused had very limited English so he was taken to Perth police station.
“With the assistance of an interpreter he was cautioned and charged, and made no reply.”
The 48-year-old’s solicitor Roderick Robertson said his language difficulties were the reason he chose to get back behind the wheel.
He said: “He had driven from Glasgow to Perth for his appearance before the Justice.
“He was surprised that he received a disqualification. He then found himself in a dilemma in that he has limited English and was in an unfamiliar city. He was anxious to return to his business.
“He knows he shouldn’t have driven. He is remorseful for that decision and understands that it’s one that’s viewed seriously by the court.”
Sheriff William Wood said: “The court is obliged to take a very serious view of charges where someone having been disqualified leaves the building and immediately seeks to drive away. A custodial sentence is available to the court in these circumstances.”
He decided not to jail Chau but disqualified him for six months and ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
