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Man clocked at 100mph on the A1 was on his way to tend to sick father

The district judge remarked: 'He can not assist his father if he is wrapped around a pole or kills someone else in the process'

A Bessbrook man who was caught travelling at 100mph whilst on his way to tend to his sick father has been spared his licence.

The district judge commented on the 27-year-old’s case: “He cannot assist his father if he is wrapped around a pole or kills someone else in the process.”

Martin Ward, of Dobsons Way, pleaded guilty to excess speed at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Prosecution outlined that on August 27, at 11.13am, police detected the defendant driving a Ford Kuga on the A1 at a speed of 100mph – 40mph in excess of the speed limit.

Defence barrister Ciara Ennis stated: “I have handed up medical evidence in relation to his father. He takes a very hands on approach when it comes to caring for his father.

“This is a very, very high speed but this is a 27-year-old with no previous penalty points and no previous criminal record.”

She continued: “Prior to his detection he had been informed that his father was not very well and he had been on his way to see him.”

District Judge Steven Keown said: “He can not assist his father if he is wrapped around a pole or kills someone else in the process.”

Ward was handed six penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.

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