The motorised scooter can reach speeds of up to 12mph

Kevin Severtson, from Edinburgh, said he had been told that the scooter was legal for him to use when he bought it.

The 26-year-old admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Kenneth MacIver said he was prepared to take "an exceptional view" of the case and deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour.

Severtson, who has seven previous convictions for driving while disqualified, is currently banned for 10 years.

Jumped off

Fiscal Jim Russell told the court that he had been seen riding the scooter by police officers who recognised him as a disqualified driver.

When he saw the police car he jumped off the scooter, picked it up and ran into a common stair.

The following evening he was seen again by the same officers.

Defence agent Kenneth McFarlane said his client had bought the scooter from a firm in Newbridge, near Edinburgh.

He was doing everything in his power to do everything legitimately Kenneth McFarlane Defence agent

He said Severtson had told staff in the shop that he was a disqualified driver and asked what he could legally drive.

He was told that he could ride the scooter, which Mr McFarlane said was "usually sold to children".

"He was doing everything in his power to do everything legitimately," he said.

Mr McFarlane believed his client had not been trying to get round his disqualification and pointed out that Severtson had been remanded in custody for a week after first appearing in court on petition.

Sheriff MacIver said it was "an unusual situation" and that he was prepared to take "an exceptional view of it".

'Deal with it'

However, he said he was not totally convinced that Severtson fully accepted his position as a disqualified driver.

Sheriff MacIver advised him to use a bicycle or public transport, saying: "Accept your position and deal with it."

He also ordered the forfeiture of the scooter.

Bill Hawkins of Active Imports, the company which sold the scooter, said he felt sorry for Severtson, who had been given the best advice available at the time.