Thomas Forrest, 24, inhaled nitrous oxide while driving through a McDonald’s drive-thru in Stirling and later sped down a road, causing his car to briefly leave the ground. Witnesses reported hearing gas being released and saw Forrest repeatedly consuming nitrous oxide from a balloon. After police arrived,

Forrest fled on foot, abandoning his car, but was identified by a passenger. He pleaded guilty to driving carelessly, while disqualified, and without insurance, and had previously been banned twice for driving offenses.

The court banned him for 33 months, backdated to September, and ordered 135 hours of unpaid work, plus 12 months of social work supervision. The judge acknowledged Forrest’s realisation of the seriousness of his actions but emphasised the danger of driving while inhaling nitrous oxide.