A CLACKS man who knocked down and drove over a pedestrian in Sauchie has been convicted of careless driving.

Steve Kotlarz, 43, pleaded guilty to three road traffic offences at Alloa Sheriff Court on Wednesday, February 20.

The first charge, which was amended, states that on October 11, 2017, he drove a car carelessly and without due care and attention along Abbey Craig Road.

As a result Kotlarz failed to keep the vehicle under control, and it mounted a kerb and collided with a pedestrian to their injury.

Kotlarz also admitted a charge of failing to stop after the collision, and another of driving said vehicle without insurance.

After the offences were admitted, the court then heard a narrative of the incident from prosecutor Susannah Hutchison.

She said: "At about 8pm a witness [the complainer] was walking his dog in Sauchie.

"He was standing waiting to cross the road, when the accused's motor vehicle was travelling down the road.

"The witness recalls it mounting the verge, striking him and flinging him backwards and the car driving over his right leg.

"The car then drove off.

"His ankle was swollen and bleeding, and his right knee was swollen and bruised.

"[The complainer] subsequently provided information to the police, and officers traced the accused and the vehicle – noticing damage to the bumper."

After being cautioned and charged, Kotlarz told police: "I thought I hit the kerb.

"If I knew I'd hit anyone I'd have stopped."

Lora Apostolova, defending, said: "This took place some time ago now, and to the best of his recollection he [Kotlarz] remembers he felt the need to move the vehicle which was parked on a nearby street.

"He was the holder of a provisional licence at the time, and was aware he had to be accompanied and I believe normally his mother would be the person to help him.

"He doesn't remember why he felt the urge to move the car.

"He got into the car and when approaching the junction before he made a right hand turn, he misjudged the distance."

She added that he did accept he should have been more careful, and, despite being unemployed, would comply with any financial penalty imposed by the court.

Sheriff David Mackie told Kotlarz: "I don't consider you can meet any fine that would adequately reflect the seriousness of this crime."

He then adjourned the case to allow for a Criminal Justice Social Work report to be prepared.

Kotlarz, of Fairfield School Court in Sauchie, will appear again for sentencing on March 21.