Car chase with cops after panic over pals’ drugs

Driver had to be rescued from hideaway

A man charged with reckless driving said he sped away from police because his passengers told him they had drugs.

Alexander McLean drove a car at speed along a B road between Plean and Airth before he crashed through a fence and hedge and into a field.

The 20-year-old fled from the scene and hid in shrubbery, from where he had to be rescued by the fire service.

McLean was told by Sheriff James MacDonald at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday to put his affairs in order before a background report is prepared, suggesting he faces a detention sentence.

McLean, formerly of Sauchie but now living in Falkirk, admitted charges which included dangerous driving, driving without a licence, driving without an MoT certificate and failing to stop for police on July 21 last year.

The dangerous driving charge originally stated he had been driving in excess of 90mph in a 60mph zone on the B9124 but he pleaded guilty to an amended charge which only said he drove at speed.

Fiscal depute Wainwright Craig said officers signalled to Mr Craig to stop for a document check.

He stopped the car but as the police car pulled up behind him he accelerated away.

Officers pursued the vehicle through Larbert as McLean’s three passengers, scared of the speed at which he was driving, pleaded with him to stop.

But he failed to do so and police called in specialist assistance when he did not give way to oncoming traffic at a crossroads and his tyres screeched as he cornered.

The fiscal depute added: “As he made his way to Gallamuir Road and attempted to turn on to the A905 he lost control due to excessive speed and crashed through a hedge into a field.

“The accused was then seen to exit the driver’s door and run off on foot across the field.”

He was traced half a mile away, hiding in shrubbery, and the fire service had to help him from the bushes.

When checks were carried out McLean was found not to have a licence, insurance or a test certificate.

He told police: “The only reason I was driving at speed was because passengers were shouting they had class-As on them.”

His agent told Sheriff MacDonald that McLean was a trained mechanic and in a relationship.

She said he suffered from a range of mental health problems due to him not being allowed contact with a daughter from a previous relationship.

The lawyer said he had been lucky none of the passengers or members of the public had been hurt as a result of his behaviour.

She said he is facing two other cases at Alloa Sheriff Court, dating from around the same time.

Sheriff MacDonald told McLean that the dangerous driving charge was the most serious matter on the complaint before the court.

He added: “Because of your age the court must consider all alternatives to custody before considering sending you to Polmont Young Offenders’ Institution. I’m most definitely considering that.”

A restriction of liberty order report had not previously been called for and Sheriff MacDonald told McLean that had to be excluded before proceeding to sentence.

He said “for that reason alone” he would defer sentence until August 22 for a supplementary social work report and restriction of liberty order assessment. Bail was continued meantime.

Sheriff MacDonald added: “You should be under no illusion you should get your affairs in order.”