A DISQUALIFIED driver narrowly avoided running over a group of youngsters during a police pursuit.

Christopher Stirling fled from officers on roads in and around Glasgow’s Tollcross on August 25, 2021.

The 39-year-old business director also drove at excessive speed at a primary school and a nursery in the van which was in a poor state of repair.

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Stirling pleaded guilty today to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

The court heard Stirling was banned from driving until August 2024.

His van was clocked by officers who planned to do a document check on Westmuir Street.

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Prosecutor Laura Bradley said: “Officers saw the driver accelerate a short distance and turned left quickly to Crail Street.”

Stirling repeatedly failed to give way and caused cars to brake abruptly.

Miss Bradley said: “At this stage officers initiated a vehicle pursuit.

“While travelling along the road, Stirling accelerated at speed past a primary school and a nursery on Crail Street.”

He then drove in the path of an oncoming vehicle which caused it to perform an emergency stop.

Other vehicles swerved to avoid collision during the chase.

Miss Bradley said: “On Canmore Street, Stirling approached a group of 10 youths crossing the road.

“He failed to brake for the youths and caused them to run off the road to avoid being struck.

“Police noted that he drove between 20 to 55 miles per hour in small residential streets and streets where there were pedestrians and other vehicles using the road.”

Stirling abandoned his vehicle before he was eventually caught by officers.

A police check discovered that he was a disqualified driver.

Miss Bradley added: "Officers noted that the vehicle was in a relatively poor state of repair.

"It was noted that there was a large metal bar that was dragging broke away from the back of the van."

Ian Sievwright, defending, told the court that a custodial sentence is likely.

The lawyer added: "He is a director of a business and businesses which he has a number of employees and customers.

"He wishes to put things in place and his affairs in order."

Sentence was deferred until next month pending background reports by sheriff Iain Fleming.

Stirling, of the city's Parkhead, was disqualified from driving and granted bail meantime.