A multiple disqualified driver with an “appalling” record has been jailed after striking a police officer.  

Mark McQuillan, 27, of Wyndford, was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to driving a vehicle while disqualified and driving without due care and attention for other road users and persons.

The court heard officers had been driving on Edinburgh Road in Carntyne at around 6.05pm on April 13, 2022, when they saw McQuillan’s vehicle.

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Police had reason to follow the vehicle and then indicated for it to stop by flashing their blue lights.

McQuillan’s vehicle stopped on Marfield Street and cops approached the driver’s side, standing in the road.

McQuillan identified himself and checks confirmed he was a multiple disqualified driver.

Police then told McQuillan this and informed him of his arrest.

However, McQuillan accelerated away sharply and in doing so struck a police officer’s left arm. This caused the officer pain to his arm but he declined medical attention.

McQuillan’s vehicle made off and he was not traced until later in the year on September 28 in relation to a separate matter.

At this time he was cautioned and charged in connection with the incident.

McQuillan’s lawyer told the court that his client had been imprisoned for seven months in November, 2023 for driving whilst disqualified.

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The defence solicitor said: “On the face of it I would count it as a crossing the threshold in relation to custody.

“In November 2023 he was sent to prison for seven months for driving while disqualified and he was released in May 2024.

“After he came out he went back to work and he is still working. He requires employment to keep him away from drinking and taking drugs and offending in this way.

“Since he came out he hasn’t taken any drink or drugs. He takes full responsibility and he wishes to apologise to the officer.

“He would like to get on with his life. He accepts that he needs to be punished for what he did. Sending him to custody will throw him right back in terms of the progress he has made since being released.

“He accepts that this is serious but I would ask you to take a step back from custody.”

Addressing McQuillan, Sheriff Bernard Ablett said: “You have an appalling record as far as driving offences are concerned.

“After being stopped by police in April 2022 you said you had learned from this offence but it is quite clear you haven’t learned from the offence.

“You have pushed me into a corner as far as sentencing is concerned.”

Sheriff Ablett sentenced McQuillan to 135 days in prison and disqualified him from driving for 43 months.