An R driver who was detected travelling at over 100mph by police has been disqualified from driving.

Luke Laurence Burns (18), with an address of Knockmore Road, Garrison, was driving on the A4 Belfast Road, near Maguiresbridge on September 29, 2020 at 109mph, well over twice the speed of what an R driver should be driving at, 45mph.

Police carrying out a speed detection operation observed an Audi A4 in the overtaking lane heading towards Lisbellaw. When they stopped and spoke to Burns he told them he was heading home and a car in front of him was speeding up and slowing down and he overtook it but didn't realise the speed he was doing.

Michael Fahy, representing Burns, said it was far from satisfactory and told the court that his client was involved in the equestrian scene and had received a call from a vet that a horse had colic and needed immediate attention.

Mr. Fahy said the reason proffered by Burns after caution was that he was heading home to attend a horse with colic.

A number of references and testimonials were submitted to the court on the 18 year old's behalf and Mr. Fay described him as a "very industrious young man" who is kicking himself and that this would be his one and only attendance in court.

He added that to show how serious Burns was taking the matter he was present in court and that a disqualification was inevitable.

District Judge Steven Keown described the speed as "exceptionally high" and took into account all that was said on Burns' behalf along with the impressive references and testimonials.

And to mark the high and worrying speed, he banned Burns from driving for two months and fined him £200.