A teenager detected driving at more than 100mph as a Restricted Driver has been fined and disqualified for two weeks.

 

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard police officers carrying out a mobile patrol on the A4 Dual Carriageway, Ballygawley, at around 9pm on July 26 were overtaken at speed by a Ford Fiesta displaying R Plates.

 

Officers followed the vehicle for approximately two miles, using a speed tracking device which showed the Fiesta reached a maximum of 106mph.

 

When stopped, the driver - Shanna Cassidy (19), from Arney Road, Bellenaleck - confirmed she was a Restricted Driver, and therefore was travelling in excess of double the statutory limit.

 

The matter could not be dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice, given the significantly high speed. 

 

A defence solicitor explained his client is a student and on the day in question had gone to clear out the property she was staying at in Belfast as it was the end of term.

 

It was on her return trip home that she was detected, the manner of which was described by the defence as “somewhat unusual” as a speed gun was not used, but instead an onboard computer in the police vehicle. 

 

While there was some question over the recorded speed, the defence accepted it was nonetheless excessive, and was “totally out of character”.

 

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told Cassidy: “That was a dangerous speed for you and other road users. You’re not trained to drive over 100mph.

 

"You’re an immature driver and wouldn’t know how to cope if something bad happened. You would have no reaction time whatsoever.” 

 

He imposed a fine of £150, and instead of six penalty points, opted to hand Cassidy a two-week driving disqualification.