Doctor did speed of 70mph in a 40mph zone after being told her husband had 'collapsed'
A doctor who hit a speed of 70mph in a 40mph zone said she had been told her husband had "collapsed".
Aseel Hassan (47), of Springfield Avenue in Belfast, was detected on the Sevenmilestraight near Antrim town on September 9 last year.
She was at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena on Tuesday, and pleaded guilty.
A defence barrister said the incident was "completely out of character" and the defendant was "mortified". He added that the defendant had no record.
He said the defendant is a doctor and is originally from Sudan. She had been living here since 2011. "She is awaiting certificates to work with the NHS," he added.
She had been shopping and had been told her husband, who has health issues, had "collapsed" and she had "raced" home as her daughter was "panicking".
The barrister said the defendant is "extremely apologetic" and "fully understands the consequences speeding can have on people's lives".
Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare said it was a very high speed for which there was no excuse.
"You are not doing your husband any good if you are involved in a road traffic accident," the judge told her.
He took into account the clear record and that she had supplied evidence of her husband's medical issues.
The judge said he would not ban her but give her a "chance". The defendant was given four penalty points and was fined £250.