The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Young electrician keeps licence after 110mph M90 dash
Ayoung driver caught speeding down the M90 at 110mph has been allowed to keep his licence. Steven Shannon gave himself up when he noticed he had been spotted by speed-check police near Bridge of Earn.
The 24-year-old electrician was originally charged with dangerous driving on August 16 2020.
He appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted a reduced charge of driving his Golf GTI without due care and attention at excessive speeds.
Shannon was saved from a disqualification after his lawyer argued he needed his licence for his work.
He was handed six penalty points and fined £1,000.
Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston told the court Shannon was spotted by traffic police just before 9pm.
“It was dusk – the road surface was dry and the traffic was light,” she said.
Shannon “co-operated fully” with officers, the fiscal depute told the court.
A solicitor for Shannon said: “The police were stationed at an observation point above the carriageway.
“They observed Mr Shannon’s vehicle and pointed their speed gun at him as he approached.
“The accused saw the police and immediately slowed down.
“He then pulled over on to the hard shoulder.
“He was very much aware of what was going on.
“The police came down from their position and spoke to Mr Shannon.
“He immediately admitted he had been driving at an excessive speed.”
The solicitor said: “Basically, he was driving along and saw that the road in front of him was clear. He just put his foot on the accelerator. He accepts he made a mistake.”
Shannon, of Waterside Cottages, West Huntingtower, has since sold his car.
His lawyer said: “He is a qualified electrician and he now has access to his works van. He tells me that his job is dependent on having a licence.
“He works night shifts and back shifts and generally travels around 500 miles a week.”
Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist told Shannon: “A speed of this magnitude would normally attract a disqualification.
“But in view of the fact that you need your licence for your job, I will impose six penalty points.”