A SPEEDING driver who almost crashed as he tried to get away from a police car chasing him in Lochgelly has been jailed.

Jordan Rattray, 28, of Hilton View, Lumphinnans, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He had admitted previously that on January 22 last year, in Lumphinnans Road, Lochgelly, he drove a car dangerously at excessive speed.

He overtook another vehicle then continued towards other road-users in the opposite carriageway, requiring evasive action to avoid a collision and he evaded police in the execution of their duty.

The court was told the incident took place at 3.25pm when police officers on patrol saw Rattray driving.

When they turned their vehicle to follow him, he sped off and almost caused a head-on collision with a car in the opposite carriageway as he performed an overtaking manoeuvre.

He abandoned his car in a side street and tried to escape by foot but was caught.

Defence solicitor Alan Davie said his client “panicked” when he saw the police because he had been banned and had not passed a driving test since, as was required.

“He made a bad situation worse putting other road-users in dangers,” he added.

Sheriff Wyllie Robertson jailed Rattray for six months and banned him from driving for 18 months.