Armed response unit clocks Coleraine driver at 128mph

Marty McGrotty (27), of Winston Way, Coleraine, was detected on Wednesday March 2 this year on the day after his birthday.

He appeared at Antrim Magistrates Court on Tuesday May 24 and pleaded guilty to exceeding the 70mph limit.

A prosecutor said the vehicle reached speeds of 128mph.

Defence barrister Chris Sherrard said McGrotty, a supervisor with the supermarket chain Iceland, was detected not by traffic police but by an armed response unit out on other duties and said the speed was recorded through the GPS system on the PSNI vehicle.

He said his client required his licence because he does some relief driving at work and is also a carer for his mother.

He added the defendant has “learned a lesson” from the incident which happened after 9pm when traffic was light.

Mr Sherrard said his client recognised the speed put his licence in peril.

District Judge Alan White said the top speed mentioned was recorded through the police vehicle but said it clear McGrotty was driving at over 100mph and he imposed six penalty points and a £300 fine.

Last month, in an unrelated case, police took to social media to say a motorist was detected doing 127mph on the M2 on Saturday April 16.