A recent case at Perth Sheriff Court has brought to light a disturbing instance of aggressive driving on the A90, a major artery connecting communities across Perth and Kinross. A family travelling on the dual carriageway near Kinfauns was subjected to what was described as frightening and deliberate “brake checks” by another motorist, leaving a nine-year-old passenger severely shaken.
The incident involved Paul Blanchard, a 43-year-old sales executive, who was driving a dark-coloured Volvo V50. The family, consisting of a male driver, his partner, and their young daughter, were navigating the 70mph limit section of the A90, a route frequently used by thousands of commuters and families daily. They were in a blue Ford Puma, performing a safe overtaking manoeuvre when the unsettling encounter began.
According to testimony presented to the court, as the Ford Puma overtook other vehicles, Blanchard’s Volvo rapidly closed the gap behind them. The family in the lead car observed Blanchard flashing his lights repeatedly and driving at an alarmingly close distance – reportedly as little as one-and-a-half metres. This aggressive tailgating created an immediate sense of anxiety for the occupants of the Ford, heightened by the presence of a young child in the vehicle.
The family driver, conscious of the danger and unable to safely move back into the left-hand lane due to other traffic, eventually found an opening to complete his manoeuvre. However, the alarming behaviour did not cease there. Once the Ford Puma had returned to the left lane, Blanchard’s vehicle swiftly pulled in front of them. It was at this point that he deliberately initiated a series of “brake checks,” abruptly applying his brakes on at least two occasions. This forced the family car to brake sharply to avoid a rear-end collision on a high-speed road, significantly escalating the level of danger and fear. Impact on the Family and Local Community
The distressing nature of Blanchard’s actions had a profound impact on the family. The nine-year-old daughter, in particular, was described as “extremely distressed” by the events. Such incidents not only pose a direct physical threat but also leave lasting psychological scars, undermining the sense of safety and security that families should feel on our roads. For residents of Perth and Kinross, who rely heavily on routes like the A90 for daily travel and leisure, the prospect of encountering such volatile driving can be deeply unsettling. Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The case was brought before Perth Sheriff Court, where Paul Blanchard faced charges initially framed as dangerous driving, reflecting the serious view taken by the prosecution regarding his behaviour. However, he subsequently entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of driving without due care or attention, acknowledging that his conduct fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver.
During the sentencing, his defence solicitor highlighted Blanchard’s professional situation, explaining that he worked as a sales executive for a luxury car dealership in Dundee. A driving disqualification, the court was told, would lead to the loss of his employment, given the integral role driving plays in his job responsibilities. This professional consequence was presented as a significant mitigating factor. Judicial Decision and Road Safety Message
Sheriff Neil Kinnear acknowledged the severity of the incident and the distress caused to the family. While emphasizing that a driving ban was a theoretical possibility given the circumstances, the Sheriff ultimately opted against it, considering the potential devastating impact on Blanchard’s career and, by extension, the local business community where he was employed. Instead, Blanchard was handed six penalty points on his driving licence and ordered to pay a fine of £360.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle on public roads. Aggressive and careless driving not only endangers lives but also inflicts emotional trauma on innocent road users. The decision by Perth Sheriff Court aims to balance accountability for unacceptable conduct with the broader implications for an individual’s livelihood, while implicitly reinforcing the critical importance of courteous and safe driving practices across Perth and Kinross roads.
The incident involved Paul Blanchard, a 43-year-old sales executive, who was driving a dark-coloured Volvo V50. The family, consisting of a male driver, his partner, and their young daughter, were navigating the 70mph limit section of the A90, a route frequently used by thousands of commuters and families daily. They were in a blue Ford Puma, performing a safe overtaking manoeuvre when the unsettling encounter began.
According to testimony presented to the court, as the Ford Puma overtook other vehicles, Blanchard’s Volvo rapidly closed the gap behind them. The family in the lead car observed Blanchard flashing his lights repeatedly and driving at an alarmingly close distance – reportedly as little as one-and-a-half metres. This aggressive tailgating created an immediate sense of anxiety for the occupants of the Ford, heightened by the presence of a young child in the vehicle.
The family driver, conscious of the danger and unable to safely move back into the left-hand lane due to other traffic, eventually found an opening to complete his manoeuvre. However, the alarming behaviour did not cease there. Once the Ford Puma had returned to the left lane, Blanchard’s vehicle swiftly pulled in front of them. It was at this point that he deliberately initiated a series of “brake checks,” abruptly applying his brakes on at least two occasions. This forced the family car to brake sharply to avoid a rear-end collision on a high-speed road, significantly escalating the level of danger and fear. Impact on the Family and Local Community
The distressing nature of Blanchard’s actions had a profound impact on the family. The nine-year-old daughter, in particular, was described as “extremely distressed” by the events. Such incidents not only pose a direct physical threat but also leave lasting psychological scars, undermining the sense of safety and security that families should feel on our roads. For residents of Perth and Kinross, who rely heavily on routes like the A90 for daily travel and leisure, the prospect of encountering such volatile driving can be deeply unsettling. Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The case was brought before Perth Sheriff Court, where Paul Blanchard faced charges initially framed as dangerous driving, reflecting the serious view taken by the prosecution regarding his behaviour. However, he subsequently entered a plea of guilty to an amended charge of driving without due care or attention, acknowledging that his conduct fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver.
During the sentencing, his defence solicitor highlighted Blanchard’s professional situation, explaining that he worked as a sales executive for a luxury car dealership in Dundee. A driving disqualification, the court was told, would lead to the loss of his employment, given the integral role driving plays in his job responsibilities. This professional consequence was presented as a significant mitigating factor. Judicial Decision and Road Safety Message
Sheriff Neil Kinnear acknowledged the severity of the incident and the distress caused to the family. While emphasizing that a driving ban was a theoretical possibility given the circumstances, the Sheriff ultimately opted against it, considering the potential devastating impact on Blanchard’s career and, by extension, the local business community where he was employed. Instead, Blanchard was handed six penalty points on his driving licence and ordered to pay a fine of £360.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle on public roads. Aggressive and careless driving not only endangers lives but also inflicts emotional trauma on innocent road users. The decision by Perth Sheriff Court aims to balance accountability for unacceptable conduct with the broader implications for an individual’s livelihood, while implicitly reinforcing the critical importance of courteous and safe driving practices across Perth and Kinross roads.