AN UNINSURED driver with just a provisional licence was involved in a night-time police chase in the Windyknowe area of Galashiels.
A female passenger in Ashley Powell’s car thought she was going to be killed due to the dangerous nature of the 20-year-old’s driving.
He pleaded guilty to driving with no insurance and dangerous driving, and was fined a total of £600 as well as being banned for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.
Powell, of Riddell Dumble Park, Galashiels, committed the offences in Windyknowe Road and Mossilee Road on June 7.
Depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley said the vehicle belonged to his partner’s mother.
She explained: “He picked up a number of friends from addresses in the Galashiels area. He ended up with four passengers in the Ford Fiesta car.
“He decided to go with the friends to Purves Garage and the car was spotted by a mobile police patrol who decided to instigate an insurance check.
“On seeing the police car the car headed up Windyknowe Road with the accused saying to his passengers, ‘If they follow us I am flooring it’.
“The blue lights were activated by the police vehicle, but there was no response. It was followed up by the flashing of lights and indicators, and the passengers were saying to the accused to slow down or stop.
“But he started to pull away from the police and the passengers were saying it was dangerous.”
The prosecutor continued: “The car was going at over 45mph and the vehicle travelled to the end of Windyknowe Road to its junction with Mossilee Road.
“He drove right across the junction at speed without giving way, mounted the nearside pavement and went into a skid. There was a near miss with a wall.”
Ms Bradley added: “One of the passengers later told police she thought she was going to die.
“The accused drove at excessive speed in Mossilee Road with the passengers saying to stop and the police decided to back off.
“When he got to Riddell Dumble Park, where he lived, he jumped out of the driving seat and went into the back garden with the passengers left sitting in the car.
“The accused then made his escape. At 2.30am he came back to his home address and the mother phoned the police.”
Defence lawyer Matt Patrick admitted: “This could have had tragic consequences.
“He made a terrible decision to drive the car in the first place and then made a series of terrible decisions.”
The solicitor said: “He has held a provisional licence for three years and just passed his theory test recently.”
Mr Patrick added his client was about to start a sport and fitness college course and was currently a part-time supermarket worker.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond said the dangers of young uninsured drivers acting recklessly were well known.
In addition to the 12-month disqualification and fines, Powell was ordered to resit the extended driving test.