Speedster caught at 94mph told he should ‘count himself lucky’

AN AUGHER man was told he could count himself “very lucky” that he was not disqualified from driving after he was detected travelling at 94 miles per hour on a road with a 60mph speed limit.

Jack McKenna of Altadaven Road had five penalty points endorsed on his licence and was fined £300 when he appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court.

The 21-year-old was detected exceeding the limit on the Enniskillen to Belfast road by 34mph on October 11.

When cautioned by police, he replied, “I’m sorry, I’m just going to the woman’s house”.

Defence solicitor Michael Fahy explained that it was evening time when traffic was light and there were no other factors involved regarding the driving other than the excessive speed.

He said McKenna had “no real excuse” and was “throwing himself at the mercy of the court”.

A letter was handed to the District Judge written by the defendant’s father.

Mr Fahy added, “He works on the farm with his father and his role will increase. He travels to a duck factory in Emyvale and is an industrious man who offers no excuse. The conditions were good, the traffic was light, there was a hard shoulder and he has no previous record”.

Imposing the penalty points and fine, Judge Michael Ranaghan said to McKenna, “The speed was far in excess of anything reasonable on that road. You are in the category of a young man that seems to have a cavalier attitude to responsibilities on the road. I take into account your ‘guilty’ plea and the reference from your father and employer. You can count yourself very lucky”.