A LORRY driver hit three cars on a busy road after he tried to pick up a packet of cigarettes from the footwell of the vehicle.

Stuart Hazlett was driving the HGV on Kilbowie Road when the driver behind saw him move into the left-hand lane and hit the first vehicle.

The lorry driver then swerved in and out of his lane before striking two other vehicles nearby.

When he stopped, he spoke to nearby witnesses where he told them that his manner of driving was due to dropping a cigarette packet in the footwell which he was trying to pick up.

It was heard at Dumbarton Sheriff Court that Hazlett previously had six penalty points on his licence in July 2021 and was later disqualified in February last year.

The 55-year-old admitted to driving the lorry without due care, attention and consideration for other road users on May 28, 2021.

He failed to maintain adequate observations, lose control of the vehicle, swerve on the road and collide with three different vehicles.

Hazlett appeared in the dock last week where it was explained to the sheriff that he does not wish to drive again due to his personal health circumstances.

Defence solicitor Scott Adair said: "I think there was confusion as to whether he was still disqualified or not. He has no intention of driving going forward.

"He has several back issues including sciatica and had an MRI scan which suggests there is TGA (Transient Global Amnesia).

"From a practical level, it wouldn't make any difference to disqualify him. Whether the nature of the driving merits sending him directly to custody I am in your ladyship's hands."

Sheriff Lindsey Kooner said: "I have listened to what your solicitor has said and explained your background.

"You plead guilty at the first opportunity and I am prepared to deal with the matter. I appreciate you have had a considerable amount to deal with. I do accept that with the nature of the vehicle you were driving, a disqualification is justified."

Hazlett, of Bellshill, was disqualified for six months and fined £300.