A MAN who drove a vehicle with metal protruding from the side has claimed in court he has exceptional circumstances and should avoid losing his licence.

Matloob Ahmed was convicted at trial of the offence on the A82 near Oceanfield in Clydebank on December 20, 2015.

But the 60-year-old, of Osprey Road, Shortroods, Paisley, said despite the mandatory loss of his licence, he should be allowed to keep it.

Through his solicitor last week at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, he requested an “exceptional hardship proof” where he will argue his wife has angina and Ahmed has to take her to hospital, frequently in the middle of the night.

Sheriff William Gallacher was unimpressed by the timing of the request.

He said: “He grasps the situation and he knew perfectly well what he was going. I think you’re facing a serious challenge.”

The solicitor replied: “I’m prepared for the challenge.”

Sheriff Gallacher continued: “I’m very surprised a request has been asked of me and the stage in proceedings this has been asked.”

Ahmed then asked, through his solicitor, for the interim disqualification from when he was convicted to be lifted.

Sheriff Gallacher refused and said it remains in place until the special hearing on May 19.