Newtownabbey R driver is convicted of doing speed estimated by police at 'up to 115mph'
An R driver has been convicted of hitting a speed estimated by police as being "up to 115mph".
Darren Calvert (20), of Harmin Drive, Newtownabbey, was on the M2 on June 7, 2024. He was charged with exceeding a restricted speed of 45mph as an R driver.
Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, on Tuesday, was told the defendant had been written to about the case but he was not present. It proceeded in his absence.
A prosecutor said police had been doing 70mph in an "unmarked car" when the defendant overtook them.
The defendant was going "considerably faster" and when police followed for approximately four miles it was estimated speeds were "up to 115mph”.
The prosecutor said an "exact speed doesn't seem to be verified" but the case was based on "police observations". Police stopped the defendant and there were R plates on the rear window.
He was convicted on the evidence before the court and received a six-month driving ban and £200 fine.