Co Tyrone mechanic, caught speeding on the M1 near Portadown as an R driver, 'put his career in jeopardy' Craigavon court told
“By his own admission, he’s an idiot,” a lawyer told a District Judge while defending a Restricted driver caught speeding on the M1 at 84mph.
Aaron Johnston, aged 22, from Ballynakilly Cottages, Dungannon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday (December 3) pleading guilty to speeding while an R driver.
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He was caught by police conducting speed checks on October 5 this year on the M1 near Portadown.
When stopped Johnston, who was displaying R plates, apologised and told police he should have already taken his R plates down. Police checks revealed his restricted period didn’t end until October 16.
"By his own admission, Your Worship, he’s an idiot. This young man stands to lose everything if he loses his licence,” said Johnston’s solicitor, Mr Kevin McCamley, pointing out his client is an apprentice mechanic who lives in the countryside with no public transport.
"He tells me it is integral to his employment that he keeps his licence and it’s vital for him getting around.”
Mr McCamley said his client “apologises profusely”. “He tells me since when he was stopped he has been nothing but vigilant when driving and careful not to cross any speed limits. In fact, being overly careful,” he said.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “I don’t think I am allowed to call you what Mr McCamley called you but I echo that sentiment.
"You have put yourself in awful jeopardy regarding your career and your life in general,” he said, adding he wouldn’t disqualify Johnston but “put him on the precipice” of immediate disqualification and gave him five penalty points.
He was also fined £300 plus £15 Offender Levy.