A young thug who drove a Mercedes at a police officer striking him on the leg after driving dangerously through the streets of Paisley has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.
Out-of-control Jan Mohammed dangerously drove his mother’s flashy Mercedes Benz through multiple residential streets in Paisley at “excessive speeds” and on the opposing carriageway in a bid to flee cops who were pursuing him.
And when the police managed to get the 19-year-old thug to stop the car in Paisley’s Manor Park Avenue, Mohammed “accelerated towards” one officer who was attempting to speak to him, striking him on the body “to the danger of his life”.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard the “immature” barber had been banned from the roads earlier this month after being convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court of dangerous driving.
Procurator fiscal depute Michael Cunningham told the town’s court: “Shortly after midnight on May 6, 2023, police on mobile patrol in the Glenburn area observed a white Mercedes.
“Officers could smell a strong smell of cannabis and so activated their blue lights and indicated for the accused to stop.
“At this time, the vehicle stops and PC McBride approaches the vehicle but as he approaches, the Mercedes makes off at speed.
“PC McBride reenters the police vehicle and informs area control. An area pursuit takes places”
The pursuit saw officers follow Mohammed, who was observed driving at excessive speed on Stanley Avenue, Jedburgh Drive and Selkirk Avenue before coming onto Gleniffer Road and the built-up estate of Manor Park Avenue.
Explaining the accused came to a dead end, the procurator fiscal added: “PC McBride blocked the road with the police vehicle.
“PC McBride got out of the car and instructed the accused to stop.
“He approached the front centre of the vehicle and the accused accelerated towards him, showing no signs of slowing down or stopping which caused PC McBride to take evasive action, but the accused struck him on the leg.”
Court heard Mohammed then mounted a kerb and a grass verge when he fled the scene.
Cops later traced the car to Shaz barbers in Glasgow’s Shettleston Road – Mohammed’s father’s shop where he works. This is where he was arrested.
Defence agent Mr Fisher told the court Mohammed “accepts the standard of driving and behaviour was quite terrible”.
He added: “He didn’t intend to danger the life of the police officer but accepts there is a danger to his life by driving at him. He is only 19, but old enough to know better. He is very immature, but unfortunately for him, driving this way isn’t a first as he has a conviction for dangerous driving.
“He was given a 12-month ban at Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier this month for dangerous driving.
“It’s not his licence that’s in jeopardy today, it’s his liberty.”
Sheriff Sheena Fraser stated: “You pleaded guilty to two very serious offences.
“I have taken everything into account said on your behalf and the criminal justice social work report. It is a concern you minimise the seriousness of this offence.
“What is clear is you are indeed an immature individual. Your actions put yourself at risk as well as members of the public and the police officers.
“I am satisfied there is an appropriate way of dealing with you other than a custodial sentence.”
Sheriff Fraser ordered Mohammed, of Crofton Avenue, Glasgow, to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
He was also made subject to supervision of the social work department for two years and ordered to wear a tag for 10 months, keeping him within his home from 8pm to 8am each night.
Mohammed was also further banned from driving for three years.
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