A BUSINESS owner from Kilmarnock has been banned from driving after crashing into a wall with his former partner in the car.

Daniel Stewart, of Talisker Avenue, caused serious injury to his ex by driving a car dangerously at Crosshouse Road, near Kilmaurs, on February 18, 2021.

The 30-year-old appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on March 22 for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to driving at excessive speed, repeatedly punching the steering wheel, colliding with and damage a wall.

The court heard Stewart had been assessed for a place on the Caledonian Project programme - which aims to address domestic abuse - but was found not to be suitable.

Sheriff Nicola Patrick told his solicitor: “I view this as incredibly serious. I think he is lucky that this wasn’t heard in a different court.”

Stewart's solicitor said: “He tells me that despite the concerns over his physical health, he is physically fit to carry out unpaid work.

“He had an interim disqualification, and that had a detrimental effect on his business.

"He is lucky enough at this stage to have a business partner who is prepared to do the site visits whilst Mr Stewart deals with the business management side.

“This incident took place three years ago."

Sheriff Patrick disqualified Stewart for two years before and handed him a community-based punishment as a direct alternative to prison.

She said: “I have listened very carefully to everything that has been said on behalf. You are willing to engage with the social work department to address underlying issues that may well exist.

“I take the view that I can deal with you other than sending you to custody, but I am making it clear to you that this sentence reflects the serious nature of what you have been convicted of.”

Stewart was placed on a community payback order and will be monitored by social workers for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

A non-harassment order was imposed barring him from contacting the victim for 18 months.

A further court hearing to review his progress has been set for July.