Published: Thursday, 25th June, 2009 3:13pm

Driver jailed for ignoring ban 11 times

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A CAR THIEF with 10 previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified has been jailed for 19 months after being caught behind the wheel again.

And Brian Hume (36), of Alloa"s Lochbraes, has also been hit with a life ban from driving.

Hume appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday having previously admitted taking and driving away a car without the owner"s consent from Harviestoun Garden Cottage, Dollar, on 18 January, and stealing cars from Harviestoun Home Farm, Dollar, on 31 January, and Devonpark Cottage, Fishcross, on 7 June, and driving whilst disqualified.

He also admitted charges of theft from houses in Alloa and Tillicoultry in January this year, stealing tools, paint and computer equipment. And he pled guilty to breaching his bail conditions on 7 June by being away from his home between the hours of 8pm and 8am.

Depute fiscal Sue Ruta told the court about Hume"s most recent car theft earlier this month in Fishcross.

She explained that the owner of the vehicle had left it unsecured outside his house.

In the early hours of the morning, he was disturbed by dogs barking and ran downstairs to see Hume making his way towards the vehicle.

Despite the owner trying to block his driveway to prevent the accused leaving, Hume drove off before eventually being traced by police.

Defence solicitor George Higgins said that Hume had a mixture of drug and alcohol problems. He said that the thefts and the taking of cars had been impulsive actions, and that Hune wasn"t clear about what he intended to do with the items he had stolen.

Sentencing Hume, Sheriff David Mackie said, 'I have come to the view that a custodial sentence has to be applied. You have a record of persistent offending and despite the opportunities you have had before you, you continue to offend.'

Mr Mackie added that he was particularly concerned that Hume had yet again driven whilst disqualified even although he had 10 previous convictions for this offence and was subject to a 10 year disqualification.