North-east man drove while disqualified because he was desperate to feed horse

A north-east man got behind the wheel of a car while disqualified because he was desperate to feed his horses.

Kieran Geoghegan was banned from driving in November last year but was anxious to attend to the animals which he trains.

The 36-year-old got into a vehicle but was stopped by the police on Castle Road in Ellon and was found to be driving while disqualified and with no insurance.

He admitted the offence which took place on January 3 this year, during an earlier appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court where he returned yesterday to be sentenced.

Representing him, defence agent Stuart Beveridge said his concern for the animals overtook him.

He said: “He was let down by an employer and was desperately trying to get someone else to go and feed the horses.

“His concern for the horses overtook his thinking, he took the decision to drive in desperation.”

Sheriff Marion McDonald ordered Geoghegan, of Swan Road in Ellon, to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, placed him under supervision for a year and banned him from driving for 10 months.