A REPEAT offender has been jailed following his eleventh conviction for driving whilst disqualified.

Craig Johnston appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week but was put behind bars by Sheriff Patricia Pryce.

Johnston, of Kirkintilloch, was told he had the “worst driving record” the sheriff has ever came across.

On the afternoon of June 14, 2022, the 44-year-old was caught behind the wheel of a car in Carntyne, despite being banned.

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He was stopped by police, who carried out a document check. It was discovered he was also driving without insurance.

Sheriff Patricia Pryce said: “This is his 11th disqualified driving conviction.

“He was given the opportunity of a community payback order to address his offending in 2019. He then received an eight-month prison sentence and here we are again.”

Johnston’s lawyer explained his client accepted full responsibility and knows his behaviour was irresponsible.

Sheriff Pryce replied: “The court keeps banning him from driving and he just keeps getting behind the wheel.

“He’s currently subject to a four-year disqualification which was imposed last year. He’s going to end up being banned for life.

“A community-based disposal has been attempted, jail has been attempted. This is the easiest type of offence to avoid.

“I disagree with the report. I think he is a risk to the public, as disqualified drivers do not hold insurance.”

The defence solicitor explained Johnston is currently working on a casual basis as a car mechanic, and the position could lead to full-time employment.

He added: “He has been employed, albeit intermittently, for 25 years. He has secured a tenancy. He is currently caring for his mother and attends at her home on a daily basis.

“His record does him absolutely no favours. He has one serious matter from 2012 and various analogous matters.”

Sheriff Pryce replied: “He was jailed for five years for the serious matter. You’d think that would have given him time to be rehabilitated.”

The defence solicitor said: “I would invite you to consider allowing him to retain his liberty and impose an intensive community payback order that will give him a further opportunity to fully explore his decision making.”

But Sheriff Pryce said: “I cannot step back from a custodial sentence.”

She turned to Johnston and said: “You have got the worst driving record I’ve come across in my life.

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“You have been given opportunities to address your offending and it hasn’t worked. You keep making decisions to get behind the wheel of a car and you have no right to do so.

“I see this as a very serious matter. It’s the eleventh driving whilst disqualified offence. You have been a long-term prisoner and were given the opportunity to do rehabilitation work.”

Johnson was jailed for eight months. He was also disqualified for four years and six months.