Was going to see his ill uncle

Gari James Falls, Burn Brae Mews, Banbridge, was fined £350 last Thursday at the local magistrates’ court for speeding on July 30 last year.

He was also given six penalty points and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that at 7.55pm he was travelling at 95mph in a 60mph limit.

A solicitor representing the defendant said he would apologise and express regret for his behaviour.

She explained that the defendant’s uncle, who is like a father figure to him, was very ill and Falls had to get to him quickly.

The solicitor pointed out he had previous motoring convictions but these were ten years ago and he had no points. She added that without his licence Falls was unlikely to retain his employment.

District Judge Rosalie Prytherch said this sort of speed could not be tolerated. She told the defendant that driving at 35mph above the speed limit he was putting himself and other road users in danger.