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Man clocked at over 100mph on M12 handed three penalty points

The district judge remarked: 'This was a grotesque piece of driving and it is a miracle no one was hurt'

A Portadown man who was caught by police travelling at over 100mph on the M12 has been handed three penalty points.

The 30-year-old’s solicitor told court: “The case is that he bought the car that very day. He has receipts as proof. Unfortunately this car had a bigger engine than he was used to and his speed crept up.”

Timothy William Hampton had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to excess speed at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday.

Prosecution outlined that on February 28, the defendant was detected by police travelling at 103mph in a Seat Leon on the M12- which has a fixed speed limit of 70mph.

Defence solicitor Gary Black stated: “The case is that he bought the car that very day. He has receipts as proof. Unfortunately this car had a bigger engine than he was used to and his speed crept up.

“He recognises the seriousness of this offence. He has had a full licence since May 2007. He has no convictions and a completely clear licence.”

He added: “He has a one-year-old and his wife is due to have their second in the middle of next month. His licence is essential as he lives in Portadown and works in Fermanagh.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan stated: “He clearly put his foot to the floor. This was a grotesque piece of driving and it is a miracle no one was hurt. You cannot nudge your speed up to 100mph.”

Hampton was issued with three penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15.

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