An East Kilbride dad claimed he ignored a driving ban because he needed to work so he could support his family.
Andrew Watt said he’d been unable to earn a wage during the COVID-19 pandemic and took a chance when he was offered shifts.
But when police spotted him he blew his top because he knew was in trouble.
Watt, 35, was fined £320 and banned from driving for a year at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
Sheriff Scott Pattison also ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work.
Watt admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance near his home in Murray Square on September 14.
He also admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards police officers.
Alice Carey, prosecuting, said officers were looking for Watt in relation to another matter when they saw him drive into Murray Square and park his vehicle.
She told the court: “The accused got out of the car and immediately began shouting and swearing at the officers, demanding to know what they wanted and asking ‘What’s this all about?’.
“He was ordered to calm down, but failed to do so and was arrested.
“He was taken to Cathcart police station and checks revealed he was a disqualified driver.”
This was Watt’s fourth conviction for driving while banned and defence agent Andy Thomson admitted his client’s record is “poor”.
Mr Thomson explained: “He is a self-employed bricklayer and hadn’t been working during the pandemic.
“He was given the chance of shifts for a week and access to a car.
“Given his financial position during the pandemic, he took a decision he thought would assist his family.
“Against that, he knew he was disqualified from driving.
“His behaviour when the police arrived was down to the fact that he knew he was in trouble and it would put an end to his work.”
