A DRIVER who made off from police in his car went on to crash into a bus and lose control of his vehicle during a chase.

Sean Lynn eventually managed to escape police after he ran away following the incident on August 19, 2020.

But the 23-year-old handed himself in at Govan police office the next day.

He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving at excessive speed, colliding with a bus, losing control of a car and mounting a grass embankment.

Fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “At 8.30pm police were on uniformed mobile patrol in Kirkintilloch travelling in an unmarked police vehicle on Bothlyn Avenue. They observed a silver Volkswagen Polo parked facing towards them.

“They observed the accused to be in the driver’s seat and had reason to wish to speak to him. They positioned their vehicle behind the accused and illuminated blue flashing lights.

“One of the officers started to exit the vehicle and signal for the accused to remain where he was. The accused was observed to be agitated and the car sped off.

“Police activated their klaxons and headed off pursuing the accused. The accused continued at speed driving on the opposite carriageway. He took a hard left passing through a giveaway without checking for pedestrians or other vehicles.

“The accused then entered Waterside Road, continuing to drive at speed. He then continued straight through a roundabout passing through the traffic lights.

“A double-decker First bus was pulling into a bus stop. The accused passed the bus at speed and collided with the bus. This caused him to lose control of his vehicle and crash onto the grass embankment, which caused substantial damage to his vehicle.”

The court heard that Lynn, from Bishopbriggs, ran away. Due to the incident, the road was blocked off so police could trace him, but this was unsuccessful.

Enquiries were carried out and cops attended at Lynn’s home, but he was not present.

The next day he attended Govan police office and was informed of his arrest.

Lynn’s lawyer told the court that he initially made off from police as he had purchased cannabis.

The defence solicitor added: “He is well aware that custody will be at the forefront of your mind. He is someone who doesn’t relish the thought of that at all. He’s never seen the inside of a cell.

“He has since been disqualified from driving and is currently on a supervision order. He’s previously complied with a restriction of liberty order and in the past has successfully carried out unpaid work.

“He is in full-time employment and is someone who contributes to society. He realises he should not be behaving in that manner.”

Sheriff Bernard Ablett highlighted Lynn’s previous convictions, which include making a homophobic comment and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

The sheriff disqualified him from driving for 21 months, ordered him to stay within his home between 7pm-7am for 144 days, and be under social work supervision for 18 months, as a direct alternative to custody.