AN INTOXICATED driver who was previously charged with attempted murder has pleaded guilty to aiming his car at a police officer in Helensburgh.

John Rae, who was five times over the legal drink limit, drove the vehicle at the male PC as he held up his hand and yelled: "Stop! Police!"

The 56-year-old was originally accused of attempted murder but the charge was later reduced to driving at the officer to the danger of his life.

The first offender admitted a further reduced charge on November 19 of culpably and recklessly driving at the constable to avoid being struck down.

A prosecutor told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that Rae had been released on bail on June 26. The order included special conditions not to enter Camperdown Court in Helensburgh.

A month later, at around 8.15pm on July 21, police got a call that the man was outside, demanding to be let in.

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When officers arrived, they initially thought the suspect had left. But they then heard an engine revving.

When they went to investigate, they found Rae in a car park.

An officer stood in the road with his hand up and yelled for the driver to stop.

And Rae, of Glasgow, accelerated with no effort to stop or brake.

The officer jumped to avoid being hit by the car, which then exited Camperdown Court, heard the court.

There was an extensive search of the area before the car was found near Drumfork Community Centre. And Rae was later found, heavily intoxicated.

Tests later showed that Rae had 101mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit in Scotland is just 22mg.

When he was formally charged, he said, "Sorry, I did it" to breaching his bail order. And, "Sorry, I cannae remember," to driving at the officer.

He pleaded guilty to breaking bail by repeatedly entering Camperdown Court and attempting to communicate with two women there. This was aggravated by involving a partner or ex.

Rae further pleaded guilty to culpably and recklessly driving at the officer, and to driving while intoxicated.

The Crown accepted he was not guilty of shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence, and to resisting arrest and struggling with two officers. He was further cleared of failing to stop after colliding with a parked vehicle at Camperdown Court.

Rae, listed in court papers as a prisoner of Low Moss, has no previous convictions.

Sheriff James Spy deferred sentence for reports until December 17. He is disqualified in the interim and will remain in custody until then.