A retired civil engineer who overtook a driver when it was unsafe to do so has been fined £500.
David Wilcock (92) also incurred six penalty points after he pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving – reduced from one of dangerous driving.
Wick Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Neil Wilson was told at Wick that the police carrying out speed checks at Biggins Farm, on the B876 between Killimster and Reiss, on July 31, last year, observed Wick-bound Wilcock picking up speed and overtaking a vehicle in front of him, despite a Corsa approaching from the opposite direction.
Fiscal depute Grant McLennan said that the oncoming car was forced to “brake harshly” and come to a complete stop in order to avoid a collision. Officers activated their emergency signals and followed Wilcock, who stopped his car soon afterwards and he was cautioned and charged.
Fiona MacDonald told the court that Wilcock thought the oncoming Corsa was travelling slower when he first saw it and “decided there was sufficient room” in which to complete his overtaking manoeuvre.
The solicitor said that Wilcock, a first offender, of Battery Road, Castletown, had no issues with his ability to drive and was not on any form of medication.
She added: “He has been driving for considerable period of time without any problems.”
Sheriff Wilson gave Wilcock credit for his early plea, albeit to the lesser charge, but made the point it was at the top end of the range for careless driving.
A plea of not guilty to an additional charge of failing to stop when required by the police was accepted by Mr McLennan.