Wick driver’s ‘stupidity’ on erratic journey behind wheel of mother’s car

A sheriff heard about Kai Temperton’s erratic journey through streets in Wick after he borrowed his mother’s car.

Police followed him after they observed him emerging from Rose Street into Harbour Quay straight into the path of oncoming vehicles, including a patrol car.

The officer activated his emergency system and followed Temperton into Macarthur Street and Malcolm Street, Wick Sheriff Court was told last week.

Fiscal depute Grant McLennan said that in Macrae Street, where he lives, Temperton (22) drove over the pavement and across a grassy area used by pedestrians, outside a block of flats and moved “at an excessive speed” into a built-up area with junctions and came to a halt.

Police officers spoke to Temperton and cautioned and charged him.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald described Temperton’s behaviour, on August 5 last year, as “stupidity” and added “he knows he should not have taken his mother’s car”.

Sheriff Sara Matheson continued the case until April 16 for background and restriction of liberty reports and imposed an interim disqualification on Temperton, who admitted having driven dangerously and without insurance cover.

Pleas of not guilty to additional charges of taking the car without consent, failing to stop and driving without a licence were accepted by the fiscal depute.