Banned for revving and spinning tyres

Steven McMahon from Chinauley Park appeared before Banbridge Magistrates Court last Thursday charged with careless driving.

He came to police attention on October 1 last when police heard the engine revving and noted that the tyres spun for an estimated ten seconds.

Solicitor Mr Downey said his client had previous penalty points for careless driving which expired in December.

He told the court, "He lives alone with his mother and at the time he had been to Tescos. He had parked the vehicle in a well lit area where there are very few other cars ever parked. He did take off at speed but hadn't done a donut. The wheels did spin but there were no other persons or vehicles in the area.

"He has been driving for 14 years and was an HGV driver until last year.

District Judge Mr Paul Copeland said, "This grand-standing or showing off in or out of the company of others, with or without an appreciative crowd is regrettably all too common in this jurisdiction.

"This type of driving can endanger others and this type of conduct is anti-social and an irresponsible misuse of a vehicle and must merit a disqualification."