Second chance for banned driver caught in Inverness
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A man who had "a terrible attitude towards cars and driving" has been given the chance to "turn the corner."
Duncan MacLennan (19), formerly of Croy but now living in Pier Road, Aultbea, is currently serving a 10-month custodial sentence almost exactly a year after causing a high speed chase by police covering over 26 miles in January last year.
But he appeared by video link at Inverness Sheriff Court to admit driving while disqualified, with 2.7mcg of cannabis in his system and without insurance.
Fiscal depute Victoria Silver said police recognised he was banned from driving when they saw him in the Longman area of Inverness on November 3, 2022 and stopped his vehicle at the Inverness Justice Centre.
"He opened the door and immediately offered his wrists to be handcuffed,” she said. “His eyes were glazed and he was lethargic. It was suspected he was under the influence of cannabis."
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The safe driving limit for cannabis is 2mcg.
Defence solicitor Willie Young told Sheriff Gary Aitken, who sent MacLennan to detention on January 11 this year: "There has been a significant change in his attitude towards his offending.
"I think he is turning a corner. His involvement in a road traffic collision and becoming a father has introduced some maturity to him and priorities in life.
"He was homeless at the time and living in the car in question. He took it to attend a community payback order (CPO) appointment at the Justice Centre."
Sheriff Aitken put MacLennan on a CPO with 18 months supervision and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to custody. He also banned him from driving for three years.
He told the teenager: "You have a terrible attitude towards cars and driving and that is why you are where you are. The suggestion is that you have finally learned your lesson and you want to move on with your life.
"I will give you that chance but if you offend in this manner again you will be right back in there."
