Accused forced police car to make emergency stop

IT was 3am in the morning when Shaun Sutherland emerged from a junction without ascertaining the way was clear.

There was a vehicle approaching - a police car - and Sutherland was stopped and charged, Wick Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

Sutherland, 25, admitted driving carelessly in Traill Street, Thurso, on December 6 and failing to comply with give-way signs. Both vehicles had to make abrupt stops.

His solicitor, Fiona MacDonald, said that the accused had been doing his "Good Samaritan" turn, driving friends home after a night out.
Sutherland, of 33 Braal (correct spelling) Terrace, in the village was Halkirk, was fined £270 and incurred three penalty points.