A BANNED driver sped away from a police patrol and almost caused a crash.

As a result, Cameron Mackenzie, 24, of Airthrey Avenue, Bridge of Allan, appeared in the dock at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on August 4, last year, on Main Street, Sauchie, the Collylands roundabout, the B9140 road at Glenochil Village, Menstrie Road, Tullibody and elsewhere, he drove a car without insurance and without a valid driving licence.

On the B9140 road at Glenochil Village, Menstrie Road, Tullibody, he drove carelessly, accelerated quickly and drove at excessive speeds, travelled on the opposing carriageway when it was not safe to do so, causing an oncoming vehicle to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Mackenzie had previously been banned until he again passed his driving test but did not do so.

Depute fiscal Rachel Wallace said police saw him driving in Sauchie and checks showed there was no insurance.

He then sped away from the police vehicle hitting 70mph in a 40mph area and causing an oncoming vehicle to take evasive action.

It was decided by police not to continue the pursuit for public safety reasons.

Defence solicitor Kelly Howe said her client had “taken a very silly decision to drive” on that day.

Sheriff Neil Bowie banned Mackenzie from driving for 11 months.

He also imposed a community payback order with 90 hours of unpaid work.