A LOCHGELLY man with an “appalling” record was caught driving illegally by police and sped off when they activated their blue lights.

Steven Haldane drove through built-up areas at twice the speed limit then dumped the car and ran off, leaving his passengers inside.

Haldane, 30, of McGregor Avenue, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on August 6, in Auchterderran Road and Boyd Place, Lochgelly, he drove without due care and attention by failing to stop for police when signalled to do so and repeatedly drove at speeds of 40mph in a built-up area with a 20mph speed limit in the presence of pedestrians.

He also drove without a valid licence and without insurance.

The court was told a police patrol car saw Haldane driving a Honda Civic at 8.30pm. After making checks, the officers discovered the vehicle was insured to a female.

The police activated their blue lights but instead of stopping, Haldane sped off.

The officers lost sight of the vehicle for a short time then came across it abandoned in Gordon Street. Two passengers were still inside but Haldane had disappeared. He was later tracked down.

Defence solicitor David McLaughlin admitted: “He has an appalling record and this was an appalling piece of driving given that the police put their blue lights on and he sped off.

“His partner was heavily pregnant at the time. She was feeling unwell so he drove the car.”

Sheriff Chris Shead banned Haldane from driving for eight months and fined him £375.