A DANGEROUS driver has been banned from the roads for three years, having narrowly avoided a prison sentence for a catalogue of offences.

Lee Quinn, 22, appeared for sentencing for four matters at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, March 14.

The offences included one of dangerous driving on roads between Alloa and Clackmannan on August 11, 2017.

On that occasion, Quinn failed to stop for police, drove at excessive speeds, overtook vehicles at speed and in the face of oncoming traffic, and caused other road users to take evasive action.

He also mounted a grass verge to overtake a vehicle, and caused a pedestrian to take evasive action to avoid being struck.

In another incident on West Stirling Street, Alva, on June 15 last year, he drove a car at 42mph in a 30mph zone, and was using a phone behind the wheel.

On the same date, at Stirling Street, Alva, he drove a car dangerously and at excessive speed while repeatedly crossing the centre line of the road.

Quinn also faced two further charges of failing to appear at Alloa Sheriff Court after being given due notice to attend.

Kelly Howe, defending, claimed her client realised how reckless his actions had been.

She said: “He simply can’t believe he drove to that standard, and describes himself as being exceptionally stupid.

“It’s not lost on him his liberty is in jeopardy.”

She then urged the court to impose a community-based disposal to deal with the matter.

In passing sentence, sheriff David Mackie left Quinn under no illusions as to how close he was to being sent to prison.

He said: “I think you will have been well advised as to how serious this is.

“A custodial sentence is justified, but that’s not going to happen today.”

Instead, for the driving offences, the sheriff handed Quinn, of School Terrace in Coalsnaughton, a Community Payback Order with an 18-month supervision requirement.

He also disqualified him from driving for three years and required him to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

For the charges of failing to attend court, Quinn was admonished.