The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Driver was clocked doing almost 140mph
COURT: Jail term a possibility for man recorded driving at high speed between Carnoustie and Arbroath
A Montrose man could be jailed after admitting one of the highest speeds recorded on the A92 dual carriageway in Angus.
Robert Doyle was clocked at a fraction below 140 miles per hour on the road between Carnoustie and Arbroath last August after his Volkswagen Golf registered more than 100mph on a roadside laser gun before the officers set off in pursuit.
The 23-year-old has been banned from the road in the meantime while a sheriff awaits the preparation of a social work report, after Doyle’s solicitor said his client recognised the high speed had put his liberty at risk.
Doyle, of Charleton Place, Montrose admitted driving dangerously on the A92 on August 27, while on bail from Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the offence happened at dusk, when traffic was light and the road surface was dry.
He highlighted a number of potential hazards on the road around Salmondsmuir including accesses to roadside houses, bus stops and the potential of pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road.
Mr Kermode said officers became aware of the accused’s VW and a laser speed gun gave a reading of 104mph.
“Police then travelled behind the vehicle which continued in lane two, overtaking several other vehicles,” he added.
The car had not slowed down and a VASCAR check between two points gave a reading of 139.8mph, the court heard.
Doyle’s vehicle – bearing the private plate R666 RWD – was pulled over and he made no comment when cautioned and charged.
“Other road users would have been potentially unaware of the vehicle approaching at such a high speed, braking distances would significantly increase and the reaction time of the accused would have been reduced,” added Mr Kermode.
Solicitor Nick Markowski said: “Mr Doyle has been advised that he will be disqualified from now, but anyone who drives at 139.8 miles per hour puts their liberty at risk.
“The issue for the court is whether there is an alternative,” he added.
“He is in full-time employment and there are no outstanding matters, and in the interim his licence has actually been revoked.”
Sentence on Doyle was deferred until June for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.
Other road users would have been potentially unaware of the vehicle approaching at such a high speed, braking distances would significantly increase and the reaction time of the accused would have been reduced