Court / ‘Man in a hurry’ admits careless driving charge

A DRIVER described as a “man in a hurry” who misjudged an overtaking manoeuvre has been fined £500 and given six penalty points.

Marek Barecki, of Virkie, pleaded guilty to the careless driving charge when his case called at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The offence took place on 24 February on the A970 between Sandwick and Fladdabister.

The 35-year-old executed an overtaking manoeuvre in the face of an oncoming vehicle, which had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Barecki was frustrated by vehicles in front of him – adding that it was a case of “misjudging time and distance”.

A SIXTY three year old man from Yell, meanwhile, was also fined and given penalty points for an overtaking manoeuvre.

Kevin Hodgson, of Herra, executed the overtake in the face of an oncoming vehicle on the A968 heading into Voe from Dales Lees on 19 September.

The oncoming vehicle had to perform an emergency stop to avoid a collision, while the vehicle being overtaken had to brake harshly.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the incident happened at a dip in the road.

“It was a lapse of judgement in a place he was not familiar with,” he said.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank fined Hodgson £400 and gave him four penalty points.

DEAN Hughson, of Sandwick, was also fined £300 and given six penalty points for driving without insurance.

The 34-year-old admitted carrying out the offence on Lerwick’s South Road on 5 January.