BMW driver (21) who was clocked speeding at more than 90mph between Moira and Lurgan, 'urgently' needed the toilet, Craigavon court hears
A Co Armagh man, who was clocked speeding at more than 90mph by police, ‘urgently required the toilet’ a court hears.
Nathan Douglas, aged 21, from Mullenakill Park, Dungannon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday accused of speeding.
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Police were travelling on the M1 westbound between Moira and Lurgan on October 15 last year when they were overtaken by a BMW 3 series.
They increased their speed to match the BMW and followed it for at least three miles and noted speeds in excess of 90mph for the majority of the time and, on occasions, reached 100mph, a Prosecutor told the court.
Douglas’ barrister, Mr Conor Lunny said it was a “foolish thing to do for anybody but for a young man who's sitting at nine live points, it’s even more foolish”.
He explained Douglas had been on his way home from Belfast after visiting his girlfriend and “urgently required the toilet”.
“He was trying to cut two or three minutes off his journey time by doing that speed," said Mr Lunny. “Can I ask for maximum credit for the way he’s met this, albeit he was caught red-handed.
"He's a young man who's starting a job tomorrow, which he's hopeful, but not confident, of retaining now that he will lose his licence,” he said.
“This is his third brush with the law,” said Mr Lunny confirming his client previously received six points for no insurance and a further three points for speeding.
District Judge Suzanne Rice said it was “very stark” that Douglas was driving in excess of 90mph on a motorway.
She added it was “significant” that he comes before the court with a previous record including three points for speeding.
“You're currently sitting at nine penalty points, Mr Douglas and therefore there is an inevitability in respect of today's decision,” she said adding he would be banned from driving.
Mr Lunny said his client would be “content to sit out those six months and start afresh with no points on his licence”.
District Judge Rice imposed six penalty points. “I'm marking the court's displeasure,” she said, adding this will lead to a disqualification until he resits his test.
He was also fined £250 plus the £15 Offender Levy.