A MAN who smashed into two other drivers and fled from both scenes has been banned from the roads.

James Kelly, of Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, was given an interim disqualification after he pleaded guilty last week to the double crash on November 19, 2019.

Fiscal depute Heather Galbraith told Dumbarton Sheriff Court on July 21 that Kelly, 31, was travelling on Kilbowie Road towards Hardgate behind a second driver.

When the other driver signalled to turn right, he noticed Kelly was trying to overtake him.

Ms Galbraith said: "The witness then heard a loud smash followed by a jolting and realised he had been hit by the accused.

"The accused failed to stop and continued in the direction of Bearsden.

"The accused then was travelling behind a number of vehicles. He noticed a gap in the traffic and crossed the centre line of Glasgow Road into the opposite lane.

"A witness also travelling at the locus and due to the accused crossing into the opposite carriageway, he collided with the witness's vehicle causing extensive damage to both.

"Members of the public stopped to assist. The accused made off into a wooded area."

Police attended but could not immediately trace Kelly. He later turned up at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital that evening and identified himself as the driver at the time of the collisions.

Kelly pleaded guilty to driving dangerously at Glasgow Road, Hardgate, that he failed to keep a proper lookout for the roadway ahead, attempted to overtake the preceding vehicle but did collide with that causing damage to it.

He failed to stop, then drove on to the opposing carriageway, drive into the path of an oncoming vehicle and did collide with it, causing damage. Again, he failed to stop.

Sheriff Frances McCartney said: "One failure to stop is one thing, but to do it twice is another."

Kelly's defence solicitor said his client had one previous conviction but it was of some age. He said police noted no sign of impairment or whether he was under the influence when they spoke to Kelly.

The lawyer said: "He cannot provide any explanation for why he drove like that. He panicked.

"He knows it's a ban and I would invite the court to fine him."

Sheriff McCartney deferred sentence for August 17 for social work reports on Kelly and she banned him from driving in the interim.