Disqualified man drove like a ‘maniac’ during police chase, court hears

A MAN from Lanarkshire who was involved in a long police chase through three Westside villages on 1 July last year will hear his fate when he appears again at Lerwick Sheriff Court in August.

Samuel Duncan, of Slakiewood Avenue, Gartcosh, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously at grossly excessive speeds while disqualified from driving and while on bail when his case called on Wednesday.

Duncan, 36, was unable to be in court as he had been admitted to hospital in Inverness.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court that driving conditions on the day in question were “anything than benign” as heavy rain had resulted in plenty of surface water on the roads.

The chase started after Duncan drove past two police officers who were out at Aith at the time.

The officers turned their car around and indicated for the accused to stop, but Duncan responded by accelerating.

The fiscal said Duncan was driving at speeds of 80mph and was pulling away from his pursuers.

Officers came across him in Walls again where they tried to block him in with their vehicle, but the accused forced his way past the police vehicle and drove off at excessive speed.

The fiscal said Duncan was heading back to Aith where his abandoned car was eventually found.

People who witnessed the chase told police that Duncan was driving like a “maniac”, the fiscal told the court.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank deferred sentence until 7 August for the personal appearance of the 36-year-old.