A Paisley thug who stole a van and led police on a dangerous 10-mile chase along the A737 has managed to avoid a jail sentence. Jordan Porter’s criminal escapade in April included stealing a van and then, just two days later, smashing a glass window at My Motel in Blackhall Street, Paisley, while armed with a knife. Responding to the incident, cops were alerted, and Porter, residing at Thrushcraig Crescent, sped down the A737 on the opposing carriageway in a bid to evade law enforcement. The 29-year-old confessed to driving the vehicle without insurance and committing all the offenses while already being under a court order from the town’s sheriff court.
Detailing the events at Paisley Sheriff Court, Procurator fiscal depute Michael Cunningham disclosed that on April 19, Porter snatched a Transit van from a property on Hunterhill Road in Paisley. He went on to explain, “On April 22, an individual working at My Motel in Paisley witnessed the accused arriving in the stolen van. The accused engaged in a heated conversation with a male, leading the male to enter My Motel.” CCTV footage reviewed by the police showed that Porter was carrying a bladed weapon during the altercation. Despite the police being notified, Porter had fled the scene before their arrival. Law enforcement officers later spotted him on the A761 at Linwood at around 2:15am, leading to a pursuit along the A737 and A760, where Porter’s erratic driving continued, including driving on the opposing carriageway.
During the court proceedings, Porter’s defense agent, Paul Lynch, acknowledged that the gravity of the offenses warranted a custodial sentence but urged the court to consider other factors. Lynch highlighted Porter’s limited criminal record and his compliance with strict bail conditions since his previous appearance in court. He also referenced reports indicating Porter’s struggles with mental health, addiction issues, and self-pity. Ultimately, Sheriff Sean Lynch, while expressing reluctance, decided against a prison term for Porter. Instead, Porter was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, placed under 18 months of supervision by the social work department, required to wear an electronic tag confining him to his home from 7pm to 7am for three months, and banned from driving for 15 months. A review hearing has been scheduled for January 6.
The verdict of the court session underlines the seriousness of Porter’s actions and the repercussions he faces as a result of his criminal behaviour. The outcome serves as a reminder of the impact of criminal activities on individuals and society, highlighting the importance of accountability and rehabilitation within the justice system.