Young motorist caught speeding In Maghera already had nine penalty points on her driving licence

Chloe Kelly, aged 22, from Drumrane Road, Dungiven, was also fined £150 with a £15 offender's levy arising out of the offence on January 30.

The court heard the defendant's vehicle was detected travelling at 45mph in a 30mph restricted zone at Station Road, Maghera.

Handing into court two character references, a defence lawyer said the defendant has nine points on her licence and her licence is essential.

He said she was an apprentice engineer and was required to travel.

District Judge Conor Heaney noted that Kelly had convictions for using a mobile phone while driving in 2023 and for speeding in 2024.

He remarked it suggests to him that she was someone who has issues in relation to her driving.

“I would have thought someone in your position would not want to go over the speed limit,” the judge said.