Speeding driver overtook police car

Emmanuel Duffy (50), Rochester Street, Belfast who admitted a speeding charge was told if he needed his licence for his work he should keep within the speed limits.

He was fined £100 last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court for excess speed on May 12 this year. He also received three points and was ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that police were travelling at 60mph on the A1 carriageway when they were overtaken by a car.

They followed the vehicle and recorded it travelling at 77mph in a 60mph zone. Duffy accepted that he had been going too quickly.

A solicitor representing the defendant said he already had three points on his licence.

He added that Duffy had absolutely no excuse and would offer his apology to the court. He co-operated immediately with the police. The solicitor explained his licence was essential to him because he was a salesperson.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, told the defendant that if relied on his licence for his business it was essential to keep to the speed limits.