Barry McLymont admitted speeding and driving his car across the area as he tried to evade cops.

McLymont was reported to police after he turned up at a fast food joint in Clydebank at 8am last Monday (August 18).

A member of staff there witnessed the 28-year-old slurring his speech and walking unsteadily to his Audi A8 car before driving off.

As police were en route to the locus, they saw McLymont driving along Drumry Road near to the Boulevard Roundabout. They turned the marked car around and pursued the accused.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last Tuesday how McLymont then sped off “in excess of 70mph”.

Prosecuting, Jeanette McLean told the court: “He broke sharply to turn onto the A82, however, the junction was blocked with barricades. He travelled further down the A82 and turned through the central reservation travelling on the south carriageway towards Glasgow.” The fiscal depute told how police were forced to continue their pursuit, asking for backup from other patrol cars.

She added: “He was driving right in front of police on the outside lane in excess of the 40mph speed limit.

As he entered onto the Boulevard Roundabout he tried to take the first left towards Drumchapel, driving across the lane and hitting an HGC tipper truck.

“He lost control of the vehicle and struck a lamppost causing extensive damage to the front of his vehicle.” McLymont then got out of the vehicle and tried to run from police, pushing one officer on the chest as he ran off. However, after a short chase he was caught before lashing out as officers tried to restrain him.

He was taken to Clydebank Police Station where he told officers “I will pass the drink test” but confessed he would fail any drugs test. He told police he had “taken a packet of blues the night before and a packet of yellows an hour before driving”.

Defending, Mr McCue told how his client had an “extensive and analogous” record, which saw him commit the offence whilst banned from driving.

Mr McCue said his client “appeared to have a handle” on historical drug problems until this incident, adding that his client had mental health problems.

He added: “The background is predominantly depression and paranoia. He’s very much ashamed of his actions in the clear light of day. His mental health may go some way to explaining the problem but by no means does it excuse his actions.

“He has a partner who is expecting twins in three weeks and he now risks not being there for her or for the birth.” McLymont wept loudly in the dock as the stark reality of his mindless actions hit home.

Appearing from custody last week, his sobs got louder as his defence told how his family, who had always supported him throughout his problems, were in court to support him once again.

Sentencing, Sheriff Colin McKay said he was left with no other option than to jail the repeat offender.

He added: “You will realise with your record there really is no alternative sentence other than a custodial sentence. You have a long list of similar offences.” McLymont, of Wishaw, was sentenced to a total of 10 months in jail and banned from driving for seven years.

Upon his disqualification ending, McLymont will have to sit the advanced driving test. He was admonished on a charge of driving without insurance.