A DUNFERMLINE man drove dangerously through residential areas at excess speeds trying to escape the police.

Alistair Stewart raced through a red traffic light as pedestrians waited to cross then crashed into a car in Garvock Bank.

The 21-year-old, of Beath View, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing.

He admitted that on June 3 last year in Linburn Road, he drove a car dangerously at excessive speed, failed to observe traffic signals showing red, failed to stop for a police vehicle pursuing him, collided with a car causing damage to it and failing to stop afterwards.

He also admitted driving without a valid licence and insurance.

Depute fiscal Alasdair Shaw said: “At 8.50pm police attempted to stop the vehicle the accused was driving for a routine check.

“They put on their blue lights for him to stop but he continued to drive at speeds in excess of the 40mph limit.”

The siren was switched on but Stewart didn't stop.

At the roundabout at the junction with Woodmill Road he failed to slow down, drove straight on then went through a red traffic light with pedestrians waiting to cross.

Stewart continued at 45mph on roads with 30mph limits before causing an accident in Garvock Bank.

“There was a car ahead of him but regardless of that the accused continued and didn’t brake until the last second, resulting in a collision,” said the depute.

He then turned the car and drove away with the police deciding it was not safe to pursue him.

They traced Stewart through the registration number and checks showed that he did not hold a valid licence.

Defence solicitor Selina Mackay said her client had “panicked and sped off” after seeing the police following him.

Sheriff Michael Fletcher imposed a community payback order with 200 hours of unpaid work, disqualified Stewart from driving for two years and fined him £200.