Stephen McConnachie, 34, of Bernadette Crescent, Carfin, has been remanded in custody after admitting dangerous driving, assault and abusive or threatening behaviour at Hamilton Sheriff Court. An allegation that he was armed with a knife was dropped.
High-speed chase through Hamilton and Larkhall
The court heard McConnachie was driving a silver Audi on the A723 between Motherwell and Hamilton around 8pm on June 3 last year. A police car drew up behind him and, almost immediately, he switched lanes, making the officers suspicious. They decided to stop him but McConnachie sped off and a chase followed through Hamilton and Larkhall.
During this he went through red lights, veered into the path of oncoming traffic and forced other drivers to take evasive action. The Audi clocked up to 84 miles an hour in residential areas and 95 mph elsewhere before he drove into a dead end in Woodside Avenue, Hamilton. There was a minor collision with the pursuing police car and McConnachie jumped out of the Audi and ran away.
Hid in home of off-duty officer
Rosemary O'Neill, prosecuting, said: "A police officer ran after him but the accused made good his escape." Other officers were on the scene quickly and a police helicopter and police dog were engaged, but he was not located at that time. Around 9pm a man was putting his child to bed and when he went downstairs he had cause to make checks. When he opened a cupboard under the stairs he was faced with the accused in an agitated state.
The witness asked him repeatedly to leave but McConnachie refused and became increasingly aggressive. He called the man a 'rat' and said he would come back to 'do him in'. A fight ensued and the householder managed to detain the accused at the front door while calling for help.
Attack on police officer
Police officers were in the area awaiting recovery of the accused's car. They saw the men grappling in the hallway. While the accused was being restrained he lashed out, kicking one of the officers. While being taken away, McConnachie again threatened the off-duty officer who had found him in his home.
Defence lawyer Tom Watters said his client acknowledged the serious nature of the charges, but stressed: "He meant no harm to the householder. He was only trying to escape from the police."
McConnachie was on bail, awaiting sentence next month for a drugs offence. However, Sheriff Linda Nicolson remanded him in custody on the latest matter while background reports are prepared. He will be sentenced on August 26.
