‘Supercar’ driver’s ban after almost hitting biker

A DRIVER has been banned for 12 months after narrowly missing an oncoming motorcyclist.

Michael Williams Roberts, 69, above left, was found guilty by magistrates at Caernarfon after driving his Maserati Gran Turismo, a powerful Italian supercar capable of speeds in excess of 140mph, dangerously on a Snowdonia road.

Bench chairman Alastair Langdown said: “From the visual evidence, we believe there was a sufficient gap for Roberts to have pulled into after overtaking a vehicle to avoid the motorcycle. We find your driving fell far below that of a careful and competent driver.”

Roberts was driving from Porthmadog to Shrewsbury and was on the A4212 at Llyn Celyn, near Bala, on October 15 last year.

He overtook a vehicle towing a caravan and was keen to pass another vehicle.

Car driver Sean Taylor told the court he saw Roberts pull out to check the road ahead on several occasions. But the first he knew of his overtaking manoeuvre was when he was alongside his Honda vehicle.

Prosecutor Sarah Marsh said his vehicle was fitted with a dashcam and footage from it was shown to the court. It showed the blue Maserati on the wrong side of the road as the motorcycle approached. The rider, who has not been traced, was seen to raise his hand as the two vehicles passed.

Roberts was also ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £2,425 and must retake his driving test before getting back behind the wheel.