Banff man banned from roads following dangerous driving offence

A driver who nearly caused a crash while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre has been banned from the roads.

Calvin Ross (21) appeared at Banff Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to driving a car dangerously on the A947 road at King Edward on May 18 last year.

Fiscal depute Anne Mann told the court that Ross, of Moss Side Croft near Banff, had been driving his grandmother’s car on the evening of the offence.

An off-duty police officer who was travelling along the road in the same direction witnessed the accused driving at speed and crossing solid white lines to overtake.

The PC slowed down to let Ross pull back in but the accused remained in the opposing lane and attempted to pass more vehicles.

The fiscal depute added that an oncoming car was heading towards Ross so he had to pull back in causing a white van and the vehicle coming towards him to brake to avoid an accident.

He managed to get the car back on the correct side of the road and was then lost to view. Police later traced him and he was cautioned and charged.

Solicitor Stuart Beveridge, who was representing Ross, said his client had attempted to overtake three vehicles but left it too late.

He added that Ross panicked and continued on the wrong side of the road. The vehicles then manoeuvred to let him back in.

He said: “It was a stupid decision he made and an error of judgment.

“The irony was he was in no particular hurry as it was not an urgent journey.

“He accepts there was no need for the manoeuvre.”

Sheriff Eric Brown imposed a 12-month driving ban on the first offender. He also ordered Ross to pay a £300 fine.

If Ross wants to get back on the road he will have to sit an extended driving test.