A DISQUALIFIED driver who jumped from the car he was driving at excessive speeds while he was being chased by police throughout Ayr has had his licence endorsed.

Thomas McReadie of Main Road, admitted driving erratically on Sannox View, Harthall, Westwood Avenue, Thoryflat Road, Dalmilling Road, Mainholm Road and Dalmilling Crescent without a licence or insurance on April, 16 this year.

McReadie failed to give way at the junctions, failed to stop when asked to do so by police before leaving the car causing it to travel along a road unoccupied.

The 27-year-old owned up to colliding with a stationary van, failing to give his name and address as well as telling officers that the vehicle had been stolen and was not in his possession during the time of the incident in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

McCreadie appeared before Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how officers saw the vehicle and followed it.

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte said: "He was exceeding 30mph, going over the speed bumps. The driver of the vehicle did not stop. Officers continued to pursue the vehicle and stop it as it was doing 50mph along the road and over the speed bumps.

"It overtook a Peugeot van and continue to drive at speed. Police saw it turn right into Mainholm Road. They saw the vehicle door lying open. They did not know where he was but eventually they caught up with him."

Speaking on his behalf defence solicitor Colin Adam said: "I am aware of how serious this matter is. He saw the vehicle and expressed some interest in it. His driving was causing concern from police.

"There was one dog walking along the pavement. There were no children and no pedestrians. He acted because of the people that took the car away from him."

Sheriff MacTaggart disqualified McReadie from the roads for three years and until an extended driving test has been passed. 

He will also complete 30 months of CPO and 220 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. There will be a review in December.