A RUGBY youth internationalist has avoided a driving ban after going around a roundabout the wrong way.

Another motorist had to slam on their brakes to avoid a collision because of Nicholas Torkington's erratic driving in Alloa.

Torkington, 19, of Hayford Place, Cambusbarron, appeared for sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 27, on the A907 in Alloa, he drove a car carelessly.

He failed to comply with a mandatory road sign, drove on the wrong side of the road, negotiated a roundabout in the wrong direction, overtook a vehicle when it was unsafe to do so and caused another vehicle to take an emergency manoeuvre.

The court was told the incident occurred at around 10pm.

Defence solicitor Charlotte Watt said it was "poor decision making, poor consequential thinking and he deeply regrets it."

The court heard Torkington is an apprentice electrician with Stirling Council.

He also plays rugby for Stirling County and has represented Scotland at under-18 level.

Sheriff Mark O'Hanlon endorsed his licence with seven penalty points and fined him £270.