Driving ban for Dunmurry R driver caught doing more than double his restricted speed
An R driver caught doing more than twice his permitted speed has been banned from driving for four months and has been fined £500.
Patrick McIntyre (20), of Cloona Manor, Dunmurry, was detected doing 91mph on the A8 dual-carriageway - a 70mph zone - near Larne on July 17 this year - but as an R driver his maximum speed should have been 45mph.
He had no record and a defence barrister told Ballymena Magistrates Court the defendant made a "very foolish mistake".
Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy asked the defendant: "You are restricted to 45mph. How do you think you can control a vehicle at 91mph when you are only shortly after passing your test? You can't.
"Do you know any families who have been bereaved because of road traffic accidents in this jurisdiction? No you don't. I suggest you speak to some of them and you realise that speed kills."
The judge said it had been an "appalling" speed and said there are "far too many R drivers not abiding by their restrictions. This simply has to stop, there are far too many deaths. You are going to have to learn your lesson - speed kills".
After the driving ban the defendant had bail fixed for appeal and he is allowed to drive in the meantime.