Split with girlfriend led to driver speeding at 110mph

A YOUNG driver who was speeding at 110mph after breaking up with his girlfriend avoided a driving ban 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 yesterday: "When police stopped him he said he was upset and going home."

Paterson, of 8 Windymains Farm Cottages, Humbie, admitted speeding at 110mph in a 70mph zone 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."

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

Sheriff Mhairi Stephen put nine penalty points on his licence and fined him 200.