Grantown cyclist 'lucky to be here to hate the police'
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Two cyclists on a bicycle fitted with an electric motor fell foul of Road Traffic Legislation after a collision with a car in Inverness last year.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 26 year old Darren Stewart of Beachen Court, Grantown and his pillion passenger should have been wearing helmets as the modified bike came under that part of the law which also applies to motorbikes and scooters.
However Sheriff Gary Aitken was told by fiscal depute Shay Traenor that Stewart came off worse when he passed a car turning off Culcabock Road, Inverness on February 23, 2023.
"He struck the off-side of the car and both were projected over it. He suffered ankle, shoulder and head injuries. His passenger left the scene and was never traced."
Mr Treanor added that Stewart was taken to Raigmore Hospital for treatment to his injuries and refused to give a blood sample to police.
"He told officers who asked why?, he replied: 'I hate the police.' "
Sheriff Aitken commented: "He is lucky to be here at all to hate the police."
His solicitor, John MacColl explained: "That is not lost on him. The person who turned into his path was also wrong. To be fair, he gave a breath specimen which tested negative for alcohol but the saliva swab was positive for cannabis which he had smoked some time previously."
"The police then required to take a blood sample which he refused to provide."
Sheriff Aitken again commented: "Cannabis lasts for an eternity in the system - for many days."
Stewart admitted driving carelessly and failing to provide a blood sample. He was fined £760 and banned from driving for a year.
