Teenager who drove while disqualified avoids being held on remand

A teenager who twice drove a car while disqualified narrowly avoided being kept locked up when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Appearing from custody James Maloney, 18, of Sandside in Mossbank, admitted taking to the wheel on 18th and 25th March despite having no licence.

He drove on unclassified roads around Mossbank without insurance.

Honorary Sheriff Malcolm Bell called for a background report to be compiled. He deferred sentence until 20th April.

Procurator fiscal Kathryn Gordon opposed bail, however, insisting Maloney’s record meant he was likely to continue offending if he was granted his liberty.

“He has shown a blatant disregard to court orders, and if he is released there is a fairly high risk the accused will get behind the wheel again,” she said.

However defence agent Tommy Allan said Maloney had already “paid a price” for past breaches of community orders.

He said Maloney had been at liberty since 19th January, and had not immediately come to the attention of the police and had been in contact with the social work department.

Maloney is pinning his hopes on a chance to attend the Venture Trust – an opportunity that would have been lost to him had he been held on remand.

“It would be a shame if any chance of that was lost because he was remanded at this point,” said Mr Allan.

Honorary Sheriff Bell granted bail but he warned Maloney: “If you break the law in any way whilst on bail you will most likely be sent to jail.”