A PORSCHE driver from Peebles who overtook a line of cars and caused an accident has been charged with careless driving.

Shaun Byrne, 44, pleaded guilty to the offence - where he overtook a line of vehicles on the A703 near Eddleston and lost control, colliding with one of the cars he was trying to pass and knocking it from the road into a fence.

The incident occured on January 13. Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Selkirk Sheriff Court there was a significant amount of water on the road at the time - around 8am - and the vehicle would be difficult to control in those conditions.

Bryne was also driving without a valid MOT.

No one was injured in the incident.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client now accepted it was careless to overtake the line of cars such wet conditions.

He described Byrne, who lives in Peebles and works in Edinburgh, as a "careful and competent driver" and urged Sheriff Kevin Drummond not to disqualify him.

Instead, Byrne is facing nine penalty points placed on his licence. 

He also imposed a fine of £600 for careless driving and £120 for not having a valid MOT.