Driving ban warning for Wick lifeboat volunteer caught at 95 mph
A lifeboat volunteer who clocked up a driving speed of 95 mph was said to have been rushing to catch the vessel for a training exercise.
Dylan Mackay (24) admitted a charge of careless driving when he appeared at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, as well as a previous conviction for speeding.
Sheriff Andrew Berry heard that police engaged in speed checks on a straight between Bilbster and Watten on September 29, last year, heard Mackay accelerate to a speed they were convinced was in excess of the 60 mph limit. That was confirmed by their speed gun which gave a reading of 95 mph.
Solicitor Alex Burn told the court that Mackay, of Kinnaird Street, Wick, was “running late” for the lifeboat exercise. The police followed and pulled him over.
Mr Burn described the offence as “an act of stupidity” and that the accused was "remorseful". A number of testimonials were submitted.
The solicitor, who conceded that Mackay already had three points on his licence, appealed to Sheriff Berry to refrain from disqualification given the accused’s public service.
The sheriff added, however: “The speed you were travelling at was ridiculous and wholly inappropriate, especially when you already have a previous conviction for speeding.
"While disqualification would be open to me, I am not going to do so. It is clear that you are highly regarded in your lifeboat duty but I also have to think of the public interest."
The sheriff imposed six penalty points which takes Mackay to a total of nine points, only three away from the maximum 12 which would trigger automatic disqualification should he offend again in a similar way. The accused was also fined £325.
Sheriff Berry stressed: “It is critically important that you don’t appear here on another road traffic matter as disqualification would be bound to follow.”
