A man who was caught speeding at 153kph in a 100kph zone has escaped with a fine after he completed the Pro Social Drivers course.
Mathew McDowell, aged 34, appeared at Buncrana District Court where his case was due to be finalised.
His solicitor Ms Donna Crampsie told the court that the course had gone well and he had paid the €250 fee towards it.
Garda Sgt Jim Collins outlined the details of the case.
He revealed how on August 9th last year McDowell was caught doing 153kph in a 100 kph zone in Newtowncunningham.
Gardai followed him and he reached speeds of up to 200 kph while overtaking cars before being apprehended by Gardai when he encountered some traffic calming measures at Burt.
Judge Alan Mitchell was told that former district court Judge Paul Kely had agreed to reduce the charge from dangerous driving to careless driving if McDowell completed the Pro-Social Driving Course.
Judge Mitchell remarked that this was Judge Kelly’s decision but that he could consider himself very lucky noting he was more than 50% over the speed limit.
The Judge noted that €100 bail money had been lodged so he said he was fining McDowell, of Prehen, Derry, that amount.
He added that if the accused ever gets an Irish license he will have five penalty points put onto it.