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.