A Co Tyrone teenager has been handed three penalty points after being caught speeding whilst being a restricted driver.
Court heard that when cautioned the 19-year-old told police: “I suppose I didn’t really think, it’s hard to stick to 45mph.”
Nathaniel Keys, of Station Road in Clogher, pleaded guilty to being an ‘R’ driver exceeding 45mph at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
It was heard that on June 5, the defendant was detected by police travelling at 78mph on the Markethill Road, Armagh, which is a 60mph zone.
When cautioned for the offence Keys replied: “I suppose I didn’t really think, it’s hard to stick to 45mph.”
Defence counsel stated: “This was a rural road. There was no excuse. Mr Keys was not in any hurry.
“Although he was a restricted driver he has had a provisional licence since he was 16 and has been insured on agricultural vehicles.”
District Judge Paul Copeland said: “Your restriction is there for a good purpose, for the safety of inexperienced drivers.”
Keys was handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £85, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
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