Two-year ban for driver who was already disqualified

A polite young driver who took to the wheel after being disqualified has been banned from the roads for two years.

Liam Cripps, 21, of Skelladale in Brae, was seen driving on the A970 near the Brae Hotel yesterday.

When police attended his house he was “entirely co-operative” and “extremely polite” – although he failed to realise how serious driving without a licence was.

He was taken into custody and appeared in court today before Sheriff Philip Mann.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said “hard-working” Cripps “just thought he could get away with it”.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Cripps had suffered from a fall which left him with head and arm injuries.

The accident left him unable to work on the small fishing boat he usually makes his living from. He had also suffered cold and flu symptoms.

Mr Allan said Cripps had not claimed any benefits, but had driven himself to the whelks in order to eke out a living.

“He knows he was disqualified. He seems quite genuine in not realising how serious driving while disqualified is.”

As well as banning him, Sheriff Mann ordered Cripps carry out 60 hours of unpaid work within nine months.