The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Speeding motorcyclist claimed he was racing to get to toilet
Turbine engineer banned after 100mph chase through Perthshire
A speeding motorcyclist who led police officers on a high speed chase along Tayside’s busiest roads invoked the famous “Fergie defence” when stopped.
A high-powered BMW pursuit vehicle hit 100mph but failed to catch Matthew Morgan as he tore along the A9, M90 and A90 in search of a toilet.
Perth Sheriff Court heard the claim the 26-year-old wind turbine technician had been troubled by stomach issues since his return from an overseas holiday.
His solicitor said he had faced “certain difficulties” during his journey and had “unfortunately driven at speed”.
In 1999, the then Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, used a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis – and his need to get to a lavatory – to dodge a charge of driving illegally on a motorway hard shoulder.
Morgan was first spotted as he tore past a marked patrol car near Aberuthven, prompting officers to begin following him.
They swiftly accelerated to 100mph but the court heard they had been unable to catch up with the accused.
As Morgan approached the Friarton Bridge, they recorded his speed at 99.21mph.
He was eventually pulled over near Tofthill Farm in the Carse of Gowrie.
The officers had been tailing Morgan’s powerful Honda CBR 600 Ra-C motorbike for over 15 miles.
Morgan, of Rait, admitted driving without due care and attention, repeatedly driving at excessive speeds, failing to check mirrors and driving too close to other vehicles.
Solicitor David Holmes told the court: “He had just returned from holiday and was suffering from stomach problems.
“Reaching home was his focus and unfortunately he chose to drive at these speeds.”
The solicitor said his client would be in danger of losing his job if he was banned, while his mother might also be forced to sell her home if he could no longer help her with mortgage payments.
Sheriff Gillian Wade said that considering the circumstances, it was “not appropriate” that Morgan be allowed to retain his licence.
She banned him from the road for five months and fined him £720.
“He had just returned from holiday and was suffering from stomach problems. DEFENCE SOLICITOR DAVID HOLMES