'Atrocious piece of driving' leads to disqualification and fine for inexperienced driver at Derry court

A man who was involved in what a judge described as 'an atrocious piece of driving' has been disqualified and fined at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

The court heard that James Reidy (20) of Dunlade Road in Greysteel admitted driving at speeds in excess of 90mph on August 27.

A prosecutor said that police on patrol in the vicinity of the Maydown roundabout observed a vehicle driving at speed. 

They attempted to follow and despite the police vehicle travelling at 90mph they could not catch the vehicle. 

The court heard that the vehicle travelled onto the Limavady Road at a speed of 70mph which is a 40mph zone and then into a 30mph zone before stopping for police who were using lights and siren. 

A defence solicitor said that Reidy was 'an inexperienced driver'. 

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that Reidy had shown no regard for other drivers on road. 

She imposed a period of disqualification for 18 months and fined him £250.