AN OUT-OF-CONTROL motorist was caught after he sped past schools and the Vale of Leven Hospital, a court has heard.

George McPhee drove at high speed on the opposite carriageway between Renton and Alexandria, passing primary schools, the hospital and an ambulance depot, went through a red traffic light and drove round a roundabout in the wrong direction – all while he was disqualified from driving.

But the 50-year-old was spared a prison sentence when he appeared in court for sentencing – though a sheriff warned him that the decision not to lock him up was an “exceptional” one.

McPhee had previously admitted driving dangerously on various roads on August 24 by driving at excessive speed on the opposite carriageway, causing other motorists to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

He “tailgated” another car, overtook other cars and went through a traffic sign when it was at red before travelling around a roundabout in the wrong direction.

He also admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance. He had also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of stealing candles and a TV set from the Co-op store in Mitchell Way, Alexandria, on May 26.

Prosecutor Kara Watt said: “The car picked up speed towards Renton Road, past Renton Primary School.

“He was chased by the police car past the Vale of Leven Academy towards a roundabout, which he took in the wrong direction, and then went through a red traffic light towards Vale of Leven Hospital and near to an ambulance depot, which is used throughout the day.

“He continued driving at high speed, overtaking a bus, until finally coming to a halt.”

The fiscal depute also told the court that the value of the TV set and candles was £680 and that the stolen items had not been recovered.

Sheriff John Hamilton deferred sentence for a drug treatment and testing order assessment.