A man has been banned from the roads after causing an accident and carrying an unrestrained passenger in the back of his van.

Henry Byres, of Newton Road, Dundee, admitted driving his van and trailer without due care and attention, jackknifing blocking the A90 Aberdeen-Dundee road, forcing vehicles to take evasive action and causing four cars to collide.

He also admitted turning round after the incident and driving the wrong way down the dual-carriageway and down a slip road at around 6.30pm on November 11.

Byres, 41, also pleaded guilty to having a tyre with no tread, carrying an unrestrained passenger in the back of his van and overloading the vehicle by 1500kg.

Procurator fiscal Sandy Hutchison told Stonehaven Sheriff Court: “A driver was driving south on the A90 at Portlethen and saw the accused’s vehicle and trailer blocking the carriageway.

“[The] accused’s vehicle had caused a number of collisions. Drivers were required to take evasive action.

“The accused removed himself and the trailer and, through the damage, drove a short distance in the wrong direction and was able to get away down a slip road.”

His defence agent told the court he had worked as a landscaper for 20 years and required his licence for his job.

She added that Byres had been carrying paving slabs and rubble in his trailer.

Sheriff Peter Hammond said: “These are serious and reprehensible breaches of the road traffic act.

“A disqualification from driving is the only course of action I can take in the circumstances.”

He disqualified Byres from driving for six months and fined him £600.