A woman was jailed for 14 months after a high-speed chase in Inverness. She admitted to dangerous driving and other offenses.
She appeared via video before Sheriff Robert Frazer. Stewart admitted to seven charges, including five for road traffic offenses, one for bail breach, and another for cannabis possession.
The court learned that Stewart’s life was difficult then. The pursuit happened on July 22nd last year, shortly after she had recently lost her father and brother.
Police received a call about a bad driver around 6:50 p.m. in Inverness’ Kinmylies area. Officers located her car on General Booth Road and followed her to Balnacraig Lane.
She drove onto a curb, prompting police to attempt a stop. She refused to stop, speeding and nearly hitting a woman with a stroller. She also failed to yield on Fairfield Road, nearly crashing into another car.
During the chase, she drove 60 mph on Hawthorn Drive. Next, she squeezed through bollards onto grass and continued toward St. Margaret’s Road. She sped on Bruce Gardens, exceeding 60 mph, crossed lane markings, and dangerously overtook on a roundabout. Due to the escalating danger, police terminated the chase.
The following day, they arrested Stewart for breaking her curfew. During the arrest, she was found in possession of cannabis. Further compounding the situation, she was a banned driver and had no car insurance.
She admitted to driving while banned and without insurance. She also confessed to dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving with no test certificate.
Her lawyer, John MacColl, described her chaotic life, mentioning her struggles with grief over her father and brother. He highlighted her issues with drug abuse, stating that she is currently in custody for other matters and working towards self-improvement.
Sheriff Frazer condemned her actions as serious and extreme. He expressed his surprise that the charges weren’t worse. In addition to the jail sentence, he banned her from driving for six years.