Speedy trip ends in court

A woman drove more than 40kmh over the speed limit past two pedestrian crossings in her hurry to get her children home after a row.

Police observed Josephine Leighton, 28, travelling at 137kmh as she headed north from Normanby at about 7.50pm on August 25, police prosecutor Sergeant Steve Hickey said.

The police patrol activated their red and blue lights and siren. However, Leighton continued to drive north on Mountain Rd at speed.

She sped through Eltham township at 92kmh, crossing two pedestrian crossings, through what is a 50km posted speed limit.

‘‘Eventually the defendant has pulled into a family member’s address where her three children have exited the vehicle and she was subsequently arrested,’’ he said.

In explanation, Leighton told police: ‘‘I had an argument with my partner and I just wanted to get the kids home safe and in a hurry.’’

Lawyer Alice Vickers said her client had no other explanation for the incident.

‘‘While she was angry, this was not an appropriate way to be driving, especially with children in her car.’’

Judge Garry Barkle said Leighton was fortunate nothing further had happened.

‘‘You drove at speed – 42 kilometres over the limit – and what makes it worse is you passed two pedestrian crossings, and on top of that you had three children with you.’’

For driving at a dangerous speed she was fined $500 with $130 court costs and disqualified for six months, while for failing to stop she was disqualified for a further six months, 12 months in total.