A man who sped off in a vehicle with a police officer holding on to it and his hand inside has been sentenced.

Stewart McLean blamed his actions on “panic” when he drove off with an officer trying to grab the ignition keys.

McLean, 30, of Mitchell Crescent, Hill of Beath, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 19 in Rae Street, Cowdenbeath, he drove dangerously, repeatedly reversed at excessive speeds and drove off from a stationary position at excessive speed, while a police officer had his hand inside the vehicle holding on to it.

He also drove without insurance.

Depute fiscal Mat Piskorz said the incident happened just after 8pm when police had been called to Rae Street in connection with another matter.

Under questioning from Sheriff Charles Macnair it emerged that McLean only holds a provisional driving licence.

McLean reversed his Honda Civic at speed and an officer ran up the street to block his way.

The officer reached into the car, trying to take the keys from the ignition, but McLean accelerated away with the officer still holding on to the vehicle.

The policeman eventually succeeded in bringing the car to a halt.

Defence solicitor Roshni Joshi said her client’s actions were the result of “panic”.

She acknowledged comments from the author of the social work report that McLean has “a complete disregard for the rules of the road”.

The solicitor said: “He apologises for his behaviour."

However, it was pointed out the social work report stated he displayed no remorse.

Sheriff Charles Macnair imposed a community payback order with 200 hours of unpaid work, 12 months of supervision and a fine of £420.

He also banned McLean from driving for 20 months.