A mum-of-two veered into oncoming traffic and drove around a roundabout the wrong way in an effort to avoid police.
Rebecca Hatten, 23, drove at excessive speeds as she was chased by police around the streets of Aberdeen after a check showed she had no licence or insurance.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard her how other road users had to take evasive action as Hatten’s silver Vauxhall Astra barrelled towards.
She then took a roundabout the wrong way round and sped off at high speed leaving a police van in her wake.
Cars had to brake to avoid accused’s car
Fiscal depute Kirsty Martin told the court that at around 9pm on June 24 2020 police were on routine patrol when they saw Hatton.
“As they pulled into St Machar Drive officers noted that her speed was gradually increasing past the 30mph speed limit,” Ms Martin said.
“The officers carried out a check and saw that the accused didn’t hold a valid licence or insurance.
“The accused continued to drive at speeds that exceeded the speed limit on Hilton Road, Aberdeen.
“She then pulled out into the opposing carriageway, causing an oncoming vehicle to brake.
“The accused then approaches Six Roads Roundabout and went at speed around the roundabout in the opposing direction.
“Taking the third exit onto Cairncry Road the accused accelerated, exceeding the 60mph limit as she turned onto North Anderson Drive and police lost her from view.”
Police later carried out a search and located the vehicle but Hatten could not be found.
She was later traced by officers, who cautioned and arrested her.
Hatten pleaded guilty to three charges of dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
‘A custodial sentence is not out of the question’
Defence agent David Sutherland told the court that his client had been experiencing “a very challenging time” when she carried out these offences.
“She is in a much better place now,” Mr Sutherland added, before calling for social work reports to be carried out into the background of his client.
Sheriff William Summers told Hatten that she was facing “very serious charges”.
He added: “Disqualification is inevitable and a custodial sentence is not out of the question.”
Sheriff Summers deferred sentence on Hatten, of Hopecroft Crescent, Aberdeen, until next month in order for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment to be carried out.
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