Custody for banned driver accused of speeding away from police

A banned driver accused of speeding away from a chasing police car while allegedly unfit to drive through drink or drugs has been remanded in custody.

Peter Henderson, 32, of Kalliness, Weisdale, is charged with dangerous driving on various roads on Friday.

He spent the weekend in the cells after he allegedly drove away from police officers, ignoring their emergency lights and sirens as they gave chase.

Henderson is accused of driving uninsured on the wrong side of the road and repeatedly mounting pavements before eventually crashing into a barrier.

He is charged with then hiding himself in hillside vegetation to evade police capture.

Henderson is also accused of failing to give information to the police once at the station, where he was also allegedly found with heroin.

His case before honorary sheriff Eric Peterson was today continued without plea until 9th December.

But an application for bail by defence agent Tommy Allan was refused.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said Henderson would pose a risk to public safety if at large.

“If he is released on bail the Crown’s position is he will offend again in a manner which will be a real and substantial risk of injury to a member of the public.”

Mr Allan argued Henderson hoped to soon start a new job on a fishing boat, and was waiting on documentation coming from the Maritime Coastgoard Agency before taking up the opportunity.

He said Henderson feared losing out on that chance if he was remanded.

Mr Allan added that Henderson helped out on his 80-year-old grandmother’s croft.

“It’s his position there is no way he will drive again,” he told the court.

Honary sheriff Eric Peterson told Henderson: “I’ve listened carefully to what has been said both by the procurator fiscal and your defence agent, and I am prepared to grant the application for a continuation without plea, but in view of the nature of the offence I am not prepared to grant bail and you will be remanded in custody.”