News / Court: motoring offences
A NEW driver from Lerwick has been placed on the cusp of having his licence revoked after he admitted driving at excessive speeds in Scalloway last year.
Shane Odie, of Kantersted Road, pled guilty at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to driving carelessly at grossly excessive speeds on Port Arthur Road on 1 December and encroaching into the opposing carriageway.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 18 year old was going “far too fast” when he drove his car near the fisheries college.
He said the “inexperienced” driver had perhaps been victim to “overconfidence”.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had only passed his test four months prior to the incident.
“He is now aware that a driving licence is a privilege, not a right,” he said.
Pointing to character references given to him in court, Sheriff Philip Mann said it was clear Odie was a “focused and driven” young man, particularly in athletics.
“Now you should focus on your driving ability,” he said.
The sheriff gave Odie five penalty points, meaning that he is near the six-point threshold for people who have been driving for less than two years, and a £300 fine.
A BUILDER from Lerwick who admitted driving a van at excessive speeds was given five penalty points and a £350 fine at the court on Wednesday.
Stephen Howarth, of Twageos Road, pleaded guilty to driving carelessly on the A971 road between Tingwall and Walls on 12 February.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 51 year old overtook an unmarked police vehicle.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said Howarth was driving towards town on the straight preceding Tingwall Airport and had “momentum” as he overtook.
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