Driver clocked 80mph during Bainsford pursuit

Conor Ward (28), who did not have a driving licence, took off when police signalled him to stop and proceeded to lead them on a chase down Grahams Road and through Bainsford.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Ward, 121 McLachlan Street, Stenhousemuir, had pled guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and drving without a licence in the Central Retail Park and Grahams Road, Falkirk on August 11 last year.

Procurator fiscal depute Ann Orr said: “Just before midnight police officers on mobile patrol signalled the accused to stop. He began driving towards Bainsford at well over the 30mph speed limit and failed to stop for a red traffic light, going through it at 70mph as police continued to pursue the vehicle.

“They saw the accused overtake another car by driving across and area of chevrons on the opposite carriageway and he reached speeds of 80mph going along Main Street, Bainsford, again driving through another red traffic signal.

“At the crossroads of David’s Loan and Carron Road he lost control and crashed into an area of large shrubs and grass. Officers immediately took control of the accused. He told them he didn’t have a licence and was not insured.”

The court heard Ward simply panicked when he saw the police because he did not have a drving licence and was “not in the right mindset” that night after being told to leave his family home by his father.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton placed Ward in custody for an hour so he could deliberate on the case.

When Ward returned, Sheriff Hamilton said: “This was a deplorable piece of driving. You put yourself and officers in danger and members of the public in danger.”

He sentenced Ward to nine months in prison and banned him from driving for three years.