An Aberdeen man with no driving licence led police on a chase just days after buying a car from a stranger on Facebook.
Steven Dunlop bought a used Ford Focus on the social media site on January 16.
At 9am on January 29, police spotted him on Springfield Road and, concerned about the way he was driving, tried to pull him over.
But the 20-year-old accelerated, hitting 55mph as he turned onto King’s Gate.
Fiscal depute Christy Ward told Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday: “Police activated blue lights and sirens but, instead of stopping, the vehicle accelerated to 55mph and turned onto King’s Gate.
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“The car continued onto Anderson Drive, reaching speeds of 60mph.
“It then turned to Lang Stracht and went through red traffic lights at the junction with Summerhill Road.
“When the car reached Whytemyres Avenue, the pursuit was stood down and a search of the area was carried out.”
The Ford Focus was found abandoned shortly thereafter, and its previous owner was identified.
Miss Ward added: “The former owner said he sold it via Facebook and pointed police in the direction of Dunlop, who had paid £250 in cash for the car.”
He was later found driving a grey Honda motorcycle on February 22, on Provost Rust Drive.
He fled when officers appeared but later admitted driving at excess speed in a residential area, failing to stop at a red traffic light, driving without a licence or insurance and using a motorcycle without a licence and insurance.
Defence agent John Hardie said: “He accepts he acted very foolishly, but he panicked when he saw the police car as he understood there were outstanding fines out against him.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller deferred sentence until March 27, and ordered that Dunlop remain at home between 8pm and 7am until his next appearance. He also banned him from driving.