THE former boss of a Glasgow shisha bar has avoided jail after a string of road traffic offences including crashing a car into someone’s front garden whilst under the influence of drugs.

Bilal Qayyum appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing.

The 34-year-old first made headlines after being convicted of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls, aged between 13 and 15, in a shop in 2011.

He opened the Quay Lounge in Tradeston in April 2018 and was fined the following year for employing two illegal workers.

Qayyum was back in the dock after pleading guilty to several road traffic offences including being involved in two accidents and being caught with cocaine.

The charges involved him using three different vehicles – none of which belonged to him.

His lawyer revealed his own car had been taken off him by his wife “some time ago”.

Fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “A man was out walking his dog when he noticed a car being driven by the accused on January 23, 2020.

“He hit a parked car on James Morrison Street and failed to stop. The man left a note on the damaged vehicle containing his details as a witness.

“After the owner of the vehicle observed the note and her damaged car, she reported the incident to the police.

“Enquiries were carried out and officers attended at the address of the registered keeper of the car that had caused the damage.

“A woman stated she and her brother, who is the accused, were the only drivers. She stated the accused had been the driver on the date of the offence.”

Cops tried to trace Qayyum at this time but failed.

In another accident on December 11, 2020, Qayyum tried to run away after a crash in Cardonald.

A woman phoned 999 and reported that a car had driven through her dad’s front garden. Whilst waiting on cops to arrive, people from within the home went out to the vehicle.

When the driver’s door was open, they could smell alcohol from Qayyum.

Ms Keel said: “He attempted to make an escape by running. He was caught by the witnesses who restrained him until police arrived. His speech was slurred, and he was unsteady on his feet.

“When police arrived, they requested him to provide a specimen of breath. He refused to do this. He was arrested and searched. The vehicle’s keys were recovered from his clothing.

“The vehicle was searched, and various bags of powder were recovered.”

The drugs turned out to be cocaine.

After being taken to Helen Street police office, Qayyum provided a urine sample which confirmed he had cocaine in his system.

During a police interview, he admitted purchasing the drugs for a party.

In another incident on the M8 in Hillington on June 3, 2020, Qayyum was driving a gold Nissan when he was spotted by cops.

Ms Keel said: “Police observed the vehicle to drive in both lanes regularly undertaking other vehicles. They observed the car follow vehicles extremely close behind and move side to side in a clear attempt to intimidate.

“He sharply accelerated at excessive speed and police couldn’t keep up. Police believed he was driving at around 100mph during this period.

“They followed the vehicle into a fuel station on Paisley Road in Renfrew. The driver was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

On June 24, 2020, Qayyum was caught speeding in an Audi at around 64mph in a 30mph zone on Glasgow Road in Rutherglen.

Qayyum’s lawyer said his client currently owns two businesses.

He added: “There are some positive aspects – he has brought up a family as he has three children. He is a licence holder for two licensed premises in Glasgow.

“He has maintained his possession of a licence having appeared before the licence court.

“He’s in a position to carry out any alternative to custody. He knows he’s not going to be driving any time soon.

“He has family commitments and provides for three children, his wife, and her parents. There are people who would suffer more than him if he was sent to prison.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay turned to Qayyum and said: “Are you prepared to do a restriction of liberty order? Because if you don’t, you’re going straight to jail.”

Qayyum confirmed he would comply.

He was ordered to stay within his home in Pollokshaws Road between 7pm-7am for 10 months.

The sheriff also disqualified him from driving for five years.