Garage worker banned and fined £1,400 for doing 104mph

A man who drove dangerously at 104mph because he was late for work was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £1,400 at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Garage worker James Dodge, 20, from Cunningsburgh, admitted reaching the speed in a 60mph zone on the A970 at Fladdabister on 7th August.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said conditions were slightly overcast with a wet road surface and “pockets of fog”.

“He was detected by police and was immediately contrite, and explained he was late for his work. He made it clear, ‘my job means everything to me’.”

Mr MacKenzie added Dodge clearly understood the “foolishness” of the speed he was driving.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Dodge had been coming through the Fladdabister straights when he saw three slow-moving vehicles ahead.

He was trying to get by them on the clear stretch of road before reaching Quarff.

Mr Allan said there was “no suggestion” the fog was at Fladdabister.

Adding Dodge’s licence was clean, he said his client was not what might be classed as a “boy racer”.

“He is not someone who is being continually pulled over by police,” said Mr Allan

Sheriff Graeme Napier was shown a favourable reference from Dodge’s employer.

He told Dodge he was probably more mature than most young drivers who come before him but added: “There is another element to this, and that is you should have known better. This was a ludicrous speed for anyone to be driving at.”