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Life ban for disqualified Keith motorist caught 14 times


By Ali Morrison

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A welder has been banned from getting behind the wheel for life after he admitted his 14th driving while disqualified offence.

Sheriff Margaret Neilson who was presiding today at Inverness Sheriff Court, had previously expressed her surprise at seeing Barry Thomson had 19 endorsements on his licence.

She said it was a "first" for her to encounter such a "horrendous record."

Thomson, of Alexander Road, Keith had earlier also admitted charges of careless driving, threatening behaviour and driving without insurance.

A sentence had been deferred until today so that social workers could compile a report into his background.

Defence solicitor Ian Houston admitted his 30-year-old client "deserved" a prison sentence for the latest offences, committed in Mosstodloch on July 12 last year.

Fiscal depute Alex Swain told the court that Thomson had driven a vehicle at speed past his ex-partner before swerving in front of her car and forcing her to stop.

Ms Swain continued: "He blocked the road, got out and began shouting and swearing about her failing to answer her phone. The police were called."

Mr Houston explained that his client was suffering from depression at the time.

He added: "This was as a result of a combination of financial concerns, his work and his on-off relationship which made his mental condition worse.

"She had called off the relationship and he wanted to talk to her.

"He had access to a car and drove to talk to her."

The court heard that Thomson had been in custody since August 10.

Sheriff Neilson imposed a 12-month jail sentence which will result in his immediate release.


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