A serial disqualified driver was jailed for almost two years after he was caught flouting a road ban for the 23rd time.
The lawyer of John Dunnigan, a prisoner at Perth, said she had “never seen” someone with such a bad record.
The court heard that police spotted the 34-year-old at the wheel acting suspiciously and eventually pulled him over.
The accused ran off but police caught up with him shortly after.
As well as finding he was driving while banned and without insurance, he was found with £680 worth of heroin on him as well as a lock knife.
Dunnigan was branded a “serial offender” by a sheriff, who banned him from driving for 12 years.
Fiscal Depute Nicola Gillespie told Dundee Sheriff Court: “He had been seen to disregard a bag of what police thought was drugs as he was pursued.
“That was tested and proved to be heroin.”
Dunnigan admitted that, on May 23, at Pitkerro Road, Wortley Place, Dalkeith Road, Rodd Road and Rennell Road, he drove while disqualified and without insurance.
He further admitted being in possession of a knife and heroin on the same date.
Defence solicitor Anika Jethwa said: “He has an absolutely dreadful record.
“He has 22 previous convictions for driving while disqualified.
“I’ve never seen someone with that bad a record for driving while disqualified.”
Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC, said: “Somebody with a record of serial offending can’t expect anything other than custody.
“You have driven while disqualified on the many, many occasions.”
Dunnigan was jailed for a total of 23 months.
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