Teen driver banned after police pursuit through Edinburgh

Benjamin Cargill drove at excessive speeds and failed to stop at junctions while being pursued by police.

Cargill, 19, also narrowly missed an oncoming vehicle as he sped through the streets of the capital’s Restalrig area.

The financial worker was seen to be travelling at speeds up to 60mph in built up areas as he attempted to evade officers who were tailing him.

And when he was eventually pulled over the teenager apologised to the officers and said “it won’t happen again”.

Cargill admitted a charge of dangerous driving when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Solicitor Christopher Fehilly said his client was “a responsible young man” with a good job with “a well-known financial institution” but had taken “a bit of a brainstorm” during the drive.

The lawyer said Cargill is “at a loss” to explain his behaviour by attempting to speed away from the police.

The court heard Cargill was first spotted driving his VW Polo erratically at the city’s Prospect Bank Road at around 8.20pm on December 6 last year.

He was travelling at speed and failed to indicate at a number of turns before “cutting across a junction” at Restalrig Road.

He increased his speed as police gave chase and was said to be driving at 60mph before turning into Pirniefield Place.

He continued at speed and failed to give way at Claremont Park and almost collided with an oncoming car.

Cargill, of Pirniefield Terrace, then performed an “overtaking manoeuvre before stopping shortly thereafter”.

The court was told Cargill stated “he had been stupid” and had “panicked when he saw the police lights”.

He added: “I am sorry for not stopping. I do apologise and it won’t happen again.”

Sheriff Peter McCormack banned Cargill from driving for 12 months and told him he must sit the extended test before he is allowed back on the road.

The teenager was also fined a total of £670.

Cargill pleaded guilty to driving at excessive speeds, failing to stop at junctions, almost colliding with a vehicle and overtaking vehicles at excessive speed at Prospect Bank Road, Edinburgh, on December 6 last year.

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