An award-winning Kilmarnock athletics coach has been banned from the roads after causing a head-on crash in the town.

William Robertson was sentenced in relation to the incident when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday, January 5.

It followed his guilty plea at an earlier date to a charge of driving his vehicle without due care or attention on April 1, 2023, on both Dean Road and Inellan Drive in his home town.

The 65-year-old caused serious injury to another man as a result of his driving, which ended in a head-on collision.

The incident took place at around 5.15pm on the day in question, the procurator fiscal depute told the court.

Robertson, of West Langland Street in Kilmarnock, was driving his motor vehicle with his grandson as a passenger when, for an "unknown reason," he lost control.

His vehicle then crossed over to the opposing side of the carriageway before colliding head-on with another vehicle - causing substantial damage to both.

Police and ambulance services were sent to the scene and Robertson identified himself as the driver of one of the vehicles after the crash as he stood on a nearby footpath.

He was unable to provide any explanation for the cause of the collision.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to Crosshouse Hospital with a broken bone.

Both Robertson and his grandson were uninjured.

The Kilmarnock man's solicitor then went on to explain how his life has changed significantly since the incident.

Only weeks afterwards, Robertson was involved in an accident where a car collided with him while he was riding a bicycle.

This led to the lower part of his leg being amputated.

The solicitor said the 65-year-old had not driven since the incident and "won't be driving" again.

They added he had "a high degree of remorse" and pleaded for leniency with a community-based disposal, which would allow him to continue in his role as an active volunteer at the Kilmarnock Harriers athletics club. 

At the end of last year, Robertson was crowned the Scottish Community Hero of the Year 2023 at the Scottish Sport Awards for his work with the club.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Colin Bissett commented: "It is very unfortunate that in your stage of life you find yourself before the court for the first time."

He added that there "could have been even worse consequences."

Sheriff Bissett then placed Robertson under a Restriction of Liberty Order, which will see the Kilmarnock man's movements electronically monitored for two months.

As part of this, he must remain within his home between 9pm and 6am each day.

He was also fined £210 and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for two years.