Driving ban woman took car shopping

Feb 24 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A DISQUALIFIED driver got behind the wheel of her car just two months after being banned for three years because she wanted to do some Christmas shopping.

Anne Cunningham was blasted by a sheriff who said she had shown a “blatant disregard” for the law.

The 52-year-old was spotted by police officers driving her car in Bathgate shortly after 2pm on December 21.

They followed her as she drove into a car park and indicated for her to pull over.

A check revealed she was a disqualified driver and had no insurance.

Last week at Livingston Sheriff Court, Cunningham, whose address was given as Ballencrieff Mill, Bathgate, pled guilty to the offences.

Her solicitor, Glenn Fraser, told the court his client knew she had made a “grave error”.

Mr Fraser added: “She realises the reason she was driving that day was not a good reason.

“She is aware that this matter is extremely serious. She has tried to make arrangements that this situation will not arise again in the future.”

Placing Cunningham on probation for a year and ordering her to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work in the community, Sheriff Grahame Fleming said: “You drove while disqualified — two months after the date you were disqualified — and this was quite a blatant disregard of the law. According to the report before me you went to do Christmas shopping.

“On this occasion, I am prepared to give you a chance and I will place you on probation. I also, as punishment, intend to impose a number of hours of unpaid work.

“I should say if you appear in front of the court again having driven while disqualified you may not be so fortunate.”

Sheriff Fleming also banned her from driving for five years.