Northern Ireland

Motorist (84) with 'unrestrained teddy bear' fined for speeding

The case was brought before Dungannon magistrates court
The case was brought before Dungannon magistrates court The case was brought before Dungannon magistrates court

AN elderly woman detected at twice the speed limit on a Co Tyrone road "with an unrestrained teddy bear" onboard apologised to police and said she did not "go out to be rough on the roads", a court has heard.

Police were carrying out laser speed duties on October 17 at Killyman Road, Moy when they detected a car travelling at 60mph in an area limited to 30mph.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard the driver, Eileen Skelton (84) of Mourne Avenue, Coalisland was stopped and on being advised of her speed said: "I didn’t realise. I’m sorry. I was concentrating on the road. I don’t go out to be rough on the roads".

The excessive speed meant the case could not be dealt with by fixed penalty notice and proceeded at court.

A defence barrister said his client accepted she was guilty at once and has a completely clear previous record. He added no other road user was inconvenienced.

District Judge John Meehan said: "On reading the papers it would appear there was an unrestrained teddy bear in the car. Nonetheless, in view of the long clear record I will deal with this in the same manner as a fixed penalty notice".

A fine of £60 was imposed along with three penalty points.