Moray Courts – Banned motorist drove to work has jail term increased

A banned motorist who continued to drive to work has seen his seen his time in jail increased.

On March 2 last year the police spotted a Vauxhall campervan being driven on the A96 between Huntly and Keith. The officers followed the vehicle to Dufftown where they requested it to stop.

A check of the DVLA records revealed that William Duthie, who was behind the wheel, had been banned from the roads following a hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court two months earlier.

The 25-year-old appeared this past Thursday at Elgin Sheriff Court via a video link from prison where he is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated matter.

His solicitor Robert Cruickshank said: “I have explained to Mr Duthie that having regard to the offence and his previous record the court will be considering a custodial sentence.”

Duthie of Whinpark Circle, Portlethen, admitted a charge of driving while disqualified.

Speaking directly to him, Sheriff David Harvie said: “I’m told that being in custody has been a salutary lesson for you. I’m going to add to that salutary lesson.”

Duthie was handed an extra four months behind bars. He was also given a two-year ban.