A DISQUALIFIED driver who got behind the wheel, swerved 180 degrees and clipped the kerb’ has avoided jail ‘by the slimmest of margins’.

Stewart Marshall owned up to dangerous driving, in December last year, on the A77 between Ballantrae and Girvan.

Marshall repeatedly clipped the kerb, drove without headlines in the dark, mounted a grass verge and drive in front of other vehicles causing them to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

The 23-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Lorri Pidgeon, explained: “At 6.20pm, the witness was driving towards a roundabout when the accused’s vehicle appeared from behind with bright lights on.

"He noted that Marshall had been indicating to overtake for some time but didn’t. The accused then tried to overtake and the witness became concerned there was going to be a collision.

"He saw Marshall swerving and clipping the kerb. The road was busy with traffic. The witness saw the accused vehicle enter Girvan before entering a petrol station.

"The man called the police and reported the registration plate of the vehicle. On his way back, he drove with no lights on. 

“At that time, a member of the public, saw the accused coming into Girvan. He lost control, mounted the gas and swerved 180 degrees. The second witness contacted police.

"When they arrived they seized the accused’s vehicle but could not find him at that point. On January, 23 the police traced him at his home address. Marshall told police he could not remember if he was driving.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Colin Adam, said: “It would appear that Mr Marshall made the decision to drive the car, realised on the way it was a bad decision but carried on with it.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Mactaggart, said: “Mr Marshall, you have pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. By the slimmest of margins I am stepping back from custody.”

Marshall, of Stranraer will complete a community payback order, will remain under supervision for 18 months and was banned from driving for 45 months.