A young motorist who overtook police on a dual carriageway told officers he was in a rush to get home as his father was trapped underneath a tractor.
And the motorist has now found himself facing a number of charges after police tasked other emergency services to the scene to help the culprit’s dad.
The PSNI in Newry and Mourne detailed the incident as they once again warned that speeding will not be tolerated.
Police – who revealed what happened via social media – said the officers had caught the young man travelling well in excess of the speed limit.
The PSNI vehicle had been travelling at just over 60mph when they were overtaken and went to stop the offending driver.
Police explained: “When stopped the driver stated: ‘But my dad is stuck under a tractor and I need to get home’.
“So we contacted Ambulance, Fire Service and directed a local police crew to attend the property in question.
“All emergency services were en route to the property while an officer in the station contacted the property on the phone to get rather a bemused chap stating everything was OK but the Fire Service had just arrived.
“Turns out young driver’s dad was not, in fact, stuck under a tractor but was fine and well.
“The young driver was subsequently arrested for offences including attempting to pervert the course of justice and excess speed. He was interviewed in a custody suite and will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service.”
The PSNI – who highlighted the incident to deter others – added: “Speeding is one of the four main causation factors in fatal collisions.
“Young male drivers the same age as this young fella are the most at risk of dying on our roads.
“Some of you will likely say we have little else to be doing. If we detect you speeding you will get a ticket.
“We would much prefer to not detect anyone speeding and issue no such tickets.”
Read more news:
Woman charged over burglary offences in Belleeks, Crossmaglen & Newtown
Union accuses Tayto of ‘threatening job security’ ahead of failed strike action ballot
Man (23) charged with the rape of a woman in Peatlands Park
Planners poised to refuse demolition of derelict GAA social club in Keady
Champion stallion to be sold in bankruptcy proceedings against Co Armagh father and daughter
Man arrested after serious sex attack at Peatlands Park
Majority of Tandragee’s Tayto staff vote against strike action
