A 64-YEAR-OLD driver who previously had his licence revoked went behind the wheel illegally and crashed his car, breaking his hip in the process.

Drug addict Alan Gibson had little recollection of how his car ended up in a field, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard.

On the day of the accident, he had stolen fuel from a service station in Cowdenbeath.

Gibson appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court a day after he had been sentenced for similar road traffic offences in Perth.

Gibson, of St Serfs Place, Crook of Devon, admitted that on August 6, at the Gulf petrol station, High Street, Cowdenbeath, he stole a quantity of fuel.

He also admitted that he was driving without a licence.

Gibson further admitted that on the same day, he drove without due care and attention on the B9097, whereby he lost control, collided with a fence and came to a stop in a field on the Cleish road.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said Gibson had put £10 of fuel into his vehicle at the garage. He then told staff he had no money and left his name saying he would return to pay, which he failed to do.

Of the crash, defence solicitor Sarah Meehan said: “His recollection is hazy. He puts it down to a momentary lapse in concentration. He broke a number of bones in his body.

“He is on benefits and has struggled with a drug addiction for some time.”

Sheriff Derek Reekie said: “He broke his hip in this accident when he shouldn’t have been behind the wheel in the first place.”

He told Gibson: “I’m very concerned about this pattern of behaviour. The Perth offences were committed when you were on bail from here and your record is significant to say the very least.

“You left the road, went through a fence and landed in a field. We don’t know why that happened because you can’t remember.”

Gibson was placed on a community payback order with 18 months’ supervision. He was also put on a three-month restriction of liberty order and banned from driving for 15 months.