Ballymena man caught speeding on two consecutive days said his licence was 'crucial' for 'rope rescues'
A man, who was caught speeding on two consecutive days, said his driving licence was "crucial" for "rope rescues".
Nicholas McIlroy (31), of Long Common in Ballymena, was detected exceeding the 60mph speed limit for a Citroen Berlingo van on August 6/7 last year on the A26 near the Co Antrim town.
He was doing 85mph and then 88mph. The zones were 70mph but his van was restricted to 60mph.
He pleaded guilty at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday (March 19). The defendant already had six penalty points on his licence.
A defence barrister told the court that not losing his licence was "crucial" to the defendant because he is involved in "rope rescues".
For the new offences the defendant was given a two weeks driving ban and a £600 fine. The original six penalty points remain on the defendant's licence.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said: "You would think somebody, whose licence was so crucial to their employment, that they would be extra careful on the roads."
"I have significant difficulty in accepting that you are the only person in this country who can do your job,” added District Judge Broderick.
"A lot of us do important work but nobody is indispensable. If you took sick I have no doubt somebody would step into your role.
"There is no job in this jurisdiction that is so crucial that only one human being can carry it out. And to elevate yourself into that category I don't think does you any credit".