Mechanic pulling away from police car travelling on cruise control at 100mph loses licence for three months

Eighteen-year-old mechanic Aaron Hughes from Crossnenagh Road, Keady, was also fined a total of £700 with a £15 offender's levy on charges of speeding, having two defective tyres, improper registration marks, and failing to display ‘R’ plates.

Prosecuting counsel told Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday that at 12.45am on March 24, police were on patrol when they observed a car pull out of the village of Moy and overtaking another vehicle at a significant speed on the Dungannon Road.

The lawyer said police followed and the vehicle “took off at speed” in the direction of Dungannon and pulled away from the police car which was on cruise control at 100mph.

The vehicle was eventually stopped and the defendant identified as an restricted driver.

Counsel said defects were found on the two front tyres and the sizing of the marks on the registration plate were incorrect.

Defence lawyer Blaine Nugent explained that Hughes was with his partner and was “doing a good turn” in leaving home two girls who had missed their taxi.

Mr Nugent said the defendant lives in a remote area and his licence is a priority as he was completing a course at the Southern Regional College.

He added that the defendant was already paying £2,200 for insurance and would be paying more after this.

Deputy District Judge Brian Archer told Hughes he had put his own life and the lives of others at risk.