A YOUNG disqualified driver was caught behind the wheel of a family friend’s car in Dumbarton.

Bradley McNab, of Cronin Street, Dumbarton, appeared at the town’s sheriff court for driving while banned and without insurance just a few days away from the end of his disqualification period.

Fiscal depute Emma Petterson told Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 19 that on June, 3, 2020 at 12.15pm police were travelling in an unmarked vehicle on the town’s Glencairn Road when they noticed a BMW heading on to nearby Bontine Avenue.

Police carried out a check on the vehicle and discovered that the 22-year-old driver was banned until June 17 .

His defence solicitor said that his client showed a “great deal of maturity” regarding his offence.

He said: “He feels deeply ashamed for what he has done.

“The vehicle belonged to a family friend. He had only two weeks left of his disqualification period and based off the report he shows a great deal of maturity.”

Sheriff Frances McCartney interrupted and said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as saying that he was two weeks away from driving.

“In reality he was many months away from driving.”

McNab’s solicitor continued: “Since that incident he is completing a course in gas engineering.

“He has a level of responsibility and is maturing with age.

“He has also asked me to apologise on his behalf.”

Addressing McNab the sheriff said: “You have acquired a record despite the young age.”

The sheriff imposed a new 18 month disqualification and McNab was put on a community payback order for six months which will see him carry out 160 hours of unpaid work in the community as a punishment.