Driver had "robust exchange" with cyclists, Inverness Sheriff Court hears

A PLANT operator became frustrated when a group of cyclists preparing for a charity event took up the whole of the road ahead of him.

Iain Macdonald, of The Old Inn House, Moy, drew up too close behind them, sounded his horn repeatedly, and when the opportunity arose to overtake, he did so again too close to the six.

But Inverness Sheriff Court heard Macdonald (63) then stopped ahead of them, forcing them to take evasive action, and then gave them a piece of his mind.

Solicitor John MacColl said: “His position is that the cyclists were taking up the whole width of the road when there was no need to. He decided he wanted to speak with them, stopped and there was a robust exchange. Then he saw red and used industrial language.

“He has a number of jobs currently from Kiltarlity to Dunbar and he is concerned about the loss of his licence.

“He drives 30,000 miles a year and employs two people.”

Macdonald admitted driving carelessly on the B9154 near Moy on May 1 last year and threatening or abusive behaviour by shouting and swearing.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said: “This is at the upper end of careless driving.”

But he decided against imposing a ban or points which would bring a disqualification as Macdonald already had endorsements on his licence.

He fined Macdonald £1040 and imposed five penalty points.