Court / Drivers fined for speeding

BEING caught driving at 70mph on the Tingwall Straight has landed a young man from Fraserburgh in trouble.

Danny Masson pleaded guilty to the offence – which took place on 13 November last year – at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 18-year-old had been caught speeding by police on the 60mph road.

Defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client was heading to Lerwick to pick up engine oil from Tesco for friends before the supermarket closed.

He said the naval student is “kicking himself” for speeding. “He accepts that he put the foot down on the Tingwall Straight.”

The court heard that as Masson already had three penalty points, he would have his licence revoked if he gained another three due to his status as a new driver.

As a result Sheriff Ian Cruickshank decided to disqualify Masson for three months ahead of the student’s placement in the merchant navy. He also fined Masson £350.

Meanwhile a man from Stornoway who drove a van at 44mph in the 30mph zone in Brae was fined £400 and given three penalty points.

George Mowat, 23, committed the offence on 2 October last year.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was driving home from work and did not realise the speed he was going.