Driver caught doing 110mph avoids ban

A YOUNG driver who was speeding at 110mph after breaking up with his girlfriend avoided a driving ban today and instead received penalty points and a fine.

Gary Paterson, 22, was followed by police officers after they spotted him driving at excessive speed.

Fiscal depute Malcolm Stewart told Edinburgh Sheriff Court: "When police stopped him he said he was upset and going home."

Paterson, of Windymains Farm Cottages, Humbie, admitted speeding at 110mph in a 70mph zone at the A720 City of Edinburgh bypass between Sheriffhall and Old Craighall roundabout, on September 3 last year.

Defence agent Cameron Tait said: "Shortly prior to being stopped he had met his girlfriend and after a discussion or argument they had split up and he was simply trying to get home."

Mr Tait said he had a reference from Paterson's employers which described him as of "excellent character".

Sheriff Mhairi Stephen said it was a "horrendously" high speed. She put nine penalty points on his licence and fined him 200.