AN 'APPALLING' piece of driving which involved a car colliding with a lorry in Tullibody has lead to time in prison.

Andrew Calland, of Birkin Road, Liverpool, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court in answer to a dangerous driving charge.

He did not have a valid driving licence, had false numbers plates on his car and had no insurance.

The 34-year-old admitted that on August 25, in Park Terrace, Stirling Road and Menstrie Road, all Tullibody, and elsewhere, he failed to stop for a marked police car displaying flashing blue lights and sounding its klaxons; he accelerated harshly; and drove at speeds in excess of the limits.

Depute fiscal James Moncrieff said the incident took place just after 1pm when officers on mobile patrol became suspicious of the car being driven by Calland.

Blue lights were activated but Calland sped off including past a primary school in Tullibody.

He overtook a vehicle when it was unsafe to do so, going into the path of oncoming vehicle forcing it to take evasive action.

He negotiated a roundabout in the wrong direction, whereby other vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

The acccused then tried to undertake a flat-bed truck which resulted in a collision. Calland's car was badly damaged and its windscreen was smashed.

Defence solicitor Robert Smith said, "He accepts this was an appalling piece of driving."

He said his client "simply panicked" when he saw the police.

The solicitor said his client had been visiting this area where he had previously worked for six months.

Sheriff Neil Bowie jailed Calland for six months and banned him from driving for 35 months and until he passes the extended test.