A police officer narrowly avoided being knocked down by a garage owner driving an off-road vehicle in Shotts.
The cop and a colleague had come across William Hardie in his Yamaha buggy as they responded to complaints about motorbikes racing on a forestry track.
Hardie, of Galloway Crescent, Broxburn, was accused of dangerous driving when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
However, the 30-year-old was allowed to keep his licence after the Crown accepted his plea of guilty to a reduced charge of careless driving.
Had he been convicted of dangerous driving he would have faced a minimum one-year ban.
The charge stated that he manoeuvred at speed while the officer was leaning into the vehicle, causing him to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
Hardie is part owner of Livingston-based Hardie Recovery Services.
The court heard police officers went to the track near Benhar Road on May 20, 2020, after complaints.
Robbie McDougall, prosecuting, said: “As they approached they saw several motorbikes and a four-wheel off-road vehicle being driven towards them at speed.
“The vehicles skidded to a halt a short distance from the police.
“The motorbikes turned and made off while the accused attempted to reverse the off-road vehicle.
“As the officer went to speak to him, the accused reversed at speed, causing the wheels to spin and dirt to be thrown up in the officer’s direction.
“The officer then managed to remove the ignition key. Hardie, who had a passenger, said he had panicked.”
Defence agent David Kinloch told the court a driving licence was “essential” for dad of one Hardie’s employment.
Mr Kinloch stated: “This incident happened during Covid. My client went to the track, which had been used for motocross for many years, for recreation.
“The buggy is limited to a top speed of seven miles an hour in reverse.
“He thought the police were chasing the bikes and turned to get out of their way. He should have stopped and parked where he was.”
Sheriff Seith Ireland fined Hardie £470 and put five penalty points on his licence.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
