Armoy woman travelled at speeds of up to 90mph - court is told

AN Armoy woman who drove at speeds of up to 90mph while a police car followed has been fined.

Catherine Christie (32) of Ballykenver Road pleaded guilty to careless driving at North Antrim Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The court heard Mrs Christie was observed travelling along the Moyarget Road towards Mosside by a police patrol on April 17 last year.

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Police followed the defendant's Vauxhall car for a distance of approximately one mile during which time it reached speeds of up to 90mph.

Police activated their blue flashing lights and sirens at which point Mrs Christie pulled over and was spoken to by officers.

She agreed she was travelling too fast and police observed two young children in the rear of the vehicle.

A defence lawyer handed District Judge Richard Wilson two character references praising Mrs Christie.

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He said his client had apologised to police at the scene saying she didn't realise what speed she was doing.

"She does realise the speed was excessive and careless.

"She is extremely embarrassed by this and ashamed of it," he said.

"She is normally an extremely careful driver."

Mrs Christie's employer described her in his reference as "reliable, efficient and trustworthy" while a member of Ballycastle Camogie Club - where Mrs Christie coaches - also praised her.

Her role with the club demonstrated Mrs Christie is "a valuable member of the community" said the lawyer.

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"She let her mind lapse and unfortunately her speed did creep up quite significantly," he said.

District Judge Richard Wilson said: "Your references are good but your speed on that occasion was excessive.

"Keep the speed down for your own sake and other people's sake and for the sake of your young children."

Mrs Christie was fined 150 and had five penalty points endorsed on her driving licence.

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