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Court / Prison term for man who crashed his car while disqualified

A MAN from Lesmahagow who drove while banned and failed to provide a urine specimen following a crash near the Black Gaet has been jailed for nine months.

Gary Guilfoyle appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court more than five years after the crash from custody on Thursday.

The court heard how Guilfoyle had crashed his car at around midnight on 28 June 2019 and sustained a serious injury which led to the amputation of his right middle finger.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 33-year-old had been given plenty of time to provide a urine sample while at the Gilbert Bain Hospital for treatment but failed to do so.

Referring to the time that had elapsed between the offences and Guilfoyle appearing at court, the fiscal added that it had taken four warrants to apprehend before Guilfoyle could be arrested.

He appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court at the end of November when bail was refused.

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Asking for leniency, defence solicitor Tommy Allan said his client was in a position to pay a financial penalty and was hopeful of starting a job as a painter and decorator at the start of the new year.

But referring to Guilfoyle’s criminal record, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said his previous convictions for similar offences would have consequences on the sentencing.

Guilfoyle was jailed, and was also disqualified from driving for three years.

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.

For victims of general crime:

For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:

For anyone affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual assault, and rape:

Shetland Women’s Aid

Phone: 01595 692070
Web: https://www.shetlandwa.org
Email: office@shetlandwa.org

The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis)

Phone: 01595 744402 or 08088 010302
Web: https://www.compasscentre.org
Email: contact@compasscentre.org

For anyone affected by substance use:

Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network

Phone: 01595 744402
Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075791869200
Email: recoveryhub@shetland.gov.uk

Shetland Alcohol & Drug Partnership

Phone: 01595 743060 or 07342 077789
Web: https://shetlandadp.org.uk
Email: shet.sadp@nhs.scot

Substance Use Recovery Service

Phone: 01595 743006

 
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