Court News NI (2024)

05/09/2024

Man made threat to kill neighbour

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A MAN who made a threat to kill a female neighbour has been ordered to do 120 hours of Community Service.

Norman William John Ewing (46), of Kinross Avenue in the Dundonald area, was sentenced at Ards Magistrates' Court on charges of making a threat to kill, assault, and possession of co***ne in relation to April 26 this year.

The court heard the defendant had struck the neighbour's window and was shouting "I am going to kill you".

The court was told the incident had put the neighbour in fear.

When spoken to by police, the defendant had co***ne in his pocket.

A defence lawyer said the defendant had been "heavily intoxicated".

District Judge Francis Rafferty asked: "What company does Mr Ewing keep?"

The defendant had gone to a bar and a person had "offered him co***ne to perk him up at a funeral," the court heard.

The judge said: "I am quite astonished. It is certainly not something that I have ever encountered at a funeral."

05/09/2024

Over-the-limit motorist's vehicle collided with parked vehicles

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AN over-the-limit motorist's vehicle collided with a number of parked vehicles at Donaghadee's Killaughey Road.

Deborah Parsley (53), admitted charges of driving with excess alcohol and failing to remain at the scene of a collision on June 10 this year.

A prosecutor told Ards Magistrates' Court a person heard a loud bang and damage had been caused to vehicles.

The defendant was located stopped a "short distance away".

When taken to a Belfast police station the defendant had an alcohol in breath reading of 83 - the legal limit is 35.

A defence lawyer said the defendant had no record.

He said the defendant was "extremely apologetic" and was "mortified" at being in court.

The lawyer said the defendant had initially "foolishly" driven to get away from an "aggressive" person.

He said the defendant was insured "so all the damage will be covered".

The defendant was banned from driving for 16 months and was fined £350.

05/09/2024

Three men are accused of Royal Mail offences

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THREE men accused of offences at the Royal Mail have had their cases at Ballymena Magistrates' Court further adjourned to October 3.

A prosecutor said the Public Prosecution Service has received a case file from police.

The accused are Samuel Christie, Barry Falls and David Kinnear.

Christie (45), with an address given as 111 Railway Street in Ballymena - which is a Royal Mail delivery office - faces a charge that on dates between November 2020 and October 2023, 'whilst occupying a position in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against the financial interests of Royal Mail Group, dishonestly abused that position in that you made fraudulent overpayments to Barry Falls and David Kinnear'.

Barry Falls (51), of Kilmakevit Square, Cullybackey, is charged with stealing £19,408 from Royal Mail between November 2020 and November 2023.

David Kinnear (55), whose address was given as Westbourne Avenue in Ballymena, is charged with theft of £6,624 belonging to Royal Mail Group 'on dates between May 2021 and October 2023'.

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Photo: The Royal Mail delivery office in Ballymena. Picture from Google Maps.

05/09/2024

Driving ban for motorist caught using hand-held mobile phone for third time

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A JUDGE told a motorist caught, for a third time, for using a mobile phone whilst driving: "All it takes is a few moments looking at your phone and then something could happen".

District Judge Nigel Broderick warned Dylan Booth: "Stop using your phone when driving. It is dangerous, it can cause accidents. If you knock down somebody like a pedestrian or cyclist and kill them you would now be in the Crown Court".

The judge was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates' Court where the 29-year-old, of Castlewood Crescent in Dervock, admitted using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving at the Lisnevenagh Road dual-carriageway near Antrim town on July 5 this year.

The offence was detected when police had overtaken a van being driven by the defendant.

The judge said it was the defendant's third conviction for using a mobile phone whilst at the wheel.

In relation to July 5 this year, a defence solicitor said the van's "blue tooth function was not connecting up correctly" and the defendant had taken a "business call".

The defendant was banned from driving for a month along with a £400 fine.

05/09/2024

Man is charged with possessing offensive weapon in Larne

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A MAN is accused of being in possession of an offensive weapon - a knife - at, according to his charge sheet, the Elizabeth Avenue area of Larne.

Robert Noel Anthony Campbell (46), with an address listed as St John's Place East in the town, is charged in relation to July 26 this year.

Regarding July 27, he is accused of possessing Methamphetamine, cannabis and Diazepam.

He appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday and the case was adjourned to September 30.

05/09/2024

76-year-old s*x offender admits accessing social media site

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A 76-YEAR-OLD s*x offender has admitted breaching a S*xual Offences Prevention Order by accessing 'a social media site or application'.

David Harper, with an address listed as in the Ballygalley area of County Antrim, committed the offence on days between June 12-21 this year.

The defendant was not present at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday where a defence solicitor entered the guilty plea on his client's behalf.

Full details regarding the breach were not outlined to the court and the case was adjourned to October 17 for a pre-sentence report.

In September last year the defendant was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court for 20 offences including attempted s*xual communication with a child and making, possessing and distributing indecent, prohibited and extreme images of children.

He had been sentenced to two years - eight months in prison and one year and four months on licence. He was placed on the S*x Offenders Register for ten years and was made the subject of a S*xual Offences Prevention Order for seven years.

After the court case last year, a PSNI detective inspector, in a press release, had said: "Police were alerted to the online behaviour of David Harper which led to us conducting a search of his property.

“The search resulted in a number of electronic devices being seized for forensic examination and Mr Harper being arrested and later charged for child abuse related offences.

“These searches are part of the continuing proactive work by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Child Internet Protection Team, a dedicated unit staffed with officers trained specifically to deal with online offending and safeguard those who have been exploited.

“Our message is clear, if a person is downloading, viewing or making indecent images of children, you are leaving a digital footprint and we are actively looking for you. We use specialist technology to detect digital devices, to make it difficult for offenders to hide evidence from the police.

“We will continue to proactively targeting those people in our community who seek to abuse children and I would encourage anyone with concerns or information to get in contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. We will act on the information we receive.”

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Photo: Ballymena Courthouse.

05/09/2024

Motorist hit speed of 64mph in 30mph zone

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A MOTORIST at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza caught doing 64mph in a 30mph zone has been banned from the roads for two weeks and fined £150.

Owen McCartney (25), of Inchkeith Road in Ballymena, came to police attention on the Garron Road in the Glenariffe area at 2pm on May 6 this year.

At Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday, District Judge Nigel Broderick said it had been a "very high speed" and a ban had to be imposed as a "deterrence to others".

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Photo: A general view of the Glenariffe area. Picture from Google Maps.

05/09/2024

Electrican hit speed of 106mph

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AN electrician who said he was on his way home after doing overtime, was caught driving at 106mph.

David John Fisher (22), of Raffertys Hill near Hillsborough, was detected at 11.30pm on July 5 this year in a 70mph zone - the Crankill Road dual-carriageway near Ballymena.

Ballymena Magistrates' Court was told the the road conditions were dry and traffic volume was light.

The defendant told officers at the scene: "I'm sorry, I have no excuse".

A defence lawyer said it was an "inexcusable" speed by the defendant who had three points on his licence.

He said the defendant had been working overtime as an electrician and on the way home his speed had "crept up".

Banning the defendant from driving for a month and fining him £200, District Judge Nigel Broderick said such speeds were "just not acceptable".

He added: "It is too fast, it is too dangerous. You can cause an accident and at that speed could cause serious injury if not fatality.

"There must be a deterrence. Anyone who drives at this speed can readily expect a disqualification".

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Photo: Ballymena Courthouse.

05/09/2024

Man charged with assaulting train conductor

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A MAN accused of assaulting a train conductor has had his case adjourned to October 17 for a Preliminary Enquiry - the legal step to send the matter to the Crown Court.

Stephen Weldon (34), of Inniscarn Drive in Newtownabbey, is charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to an incident at Magheramorne railway halt near Larne on May 8 this year.

He is also charged with causing criminal damage to a bag and mobile phone belonging to Translink and causing criminal damage to the conductor's personal mobile phone.

On Thursday, the defendant appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court, via video link from prison, where he has been on remand. He was further remanded in custody.

An earlier court heard the conductor was assaulted and the defendant then posted a social media livestream video boasting about the incident.

A defence barrister told the earlier court Weldon had made "full and frank admissions" in relation to the case.

A police officer told the previous court that around 9pm on Wednesday May 8 police received a report from passengers of a train conductor being attacked at Magheramorne railway halt.

When officers arrived the defendant was still at the scene.

The conductor said he was working on the Belfast to Larne train and after the defendant had boarded at Whiteabbey he was spotted va**ng as the train was in the Ballycarry area.

The conductor said va**ng was not allowed and told Weldon he would have to leave and the defendant got off at Magheramorne.

The defendant "fist-bumped" the conductor who reciprocated.

The train continued to Larne and whilst there the conductor was given a v**e charger and he believed it belonged to the defendant.

The train was passing through Magheramorne on the way back to Belfast and the conductor gave the charger to the defendant on the platform.

The defendant said the conductor had told him there would be buses he could get but the conductor had said he had earlier said there "might" have been buses.

Weldon then attacked the conductor, kicking him causing him to fall backwards into the train against doors.

He then dragged the conductor off the train and assaulted him on the platform, striking him "six or seven times" around the head and face by using feet and fists.

The conductor was able to "escape" and ran through the train telling passengers to contact police before making it to safety in the driver's cabin.

The police officer told the court: "In transpires the defendant had done a live-stream video after the conductor has been attacked. He can be seen coming onto the train and saying: 'Hello folks, sorry for the hold-up. The guy that was on the train was acting tough and got his ass whipped and that is why there is a hold-up, sorry. Hope you's have a good day, good luck, God bless'."

The court was told that the defendant then walked back off the train and said in the live-stream: 'F*cking motherf*cker not so tough now are you, f*cking d*ck'.

The defendant then videoed himself kicking the conductor's Translink bag and stamping on a Translink phone and the conductor's personal phone.

The video was posted by Weldon to his page, the police officer said.

The conductor was taken to hospital and was given a CT scan for a possible broken jaw but it was not broken but he had "five chipped teeth" and a "large swollen area around his jaw, bumps and swelling around his head, stiff neck and bruising to his calf and arm".

His personal mobile phone was "smashed beyond repair" and the Translink phone and bag were also damaged.

When interviewed by police, Weldon said he was on the train going to new job as a packer in Larne. It was his second day and after being late the first day didn't want to be late the second day.

He said he had been va**ng and when told to get off the train the conductor told him he could walk to Larne in "15 minutes" but when he checked a map on his phone he noticed it would take an hour and 40 minutes.

There were no buses or trains and he was "seething" and when he saw the conductor coming back on the train he "seen red" and kicked him, "punched him twice in the ribs and dragged him off the train".

The defendant told police when the victim landed on his knees he kicked him "once on the head" and that the victim was "covering himself". He denied striking him any further and could not explain why the conductor would have multiple injuries.

The PSNI officer said the defendant told police the victim's "attitude was not right and he was just trying to be the Alpha so the defendant showed him who was the bigger Alpha".

The defendant had a previous record including for a "serious assault".

A defence barrister said the defendant had made "full and frank admissions".

He said Weldon had "somewhat of a transient lifestyle" and had been in England for a time before returning to Northern Ireland.

The lawyer said the defendant had been unemployed for some time and the day before he was late for a new job in Larne and Weldon told his employers it would not happen again.

The barrister said the defendant felt he could lose his job after being put off the train and he was "annoyed" and accepted he was "angry" and accepts he acted "irrationally".

District Judge Nigel Broderick told the earlier court the assault had been "wholly unwarranted" on a "public servant who was providing public transport".

The judge told the defendant: "You may have been annoyed because you were going to be late for work but that in no way justifies your vindictive assault and it would have been a terrifying experience for the victim".

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Photo: Stephen Weldon.

05/09/2024

Man is accused of possessing offensive weapons

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A MAN is charged with possessing a hammer and a hatchet as offensive weapons in Cullybackey.

The allegation relates to October 15 last year.

Thomas Goligher-Gallagher (34), with an address given as Maghaberry Prison, had the case, at Ballymena Magistrates' Court, adjourned to September 19.

05/09/2024

Man is charged with church break-in

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A MAN charged with burglary at a Presbyterian Church in County Antrim has had his case at Ballymena Magistrates' Court further adjourned to October 3.

Michael McKeown (36), of Kilnacolpagh Road at Aughafatten near Broughshane, is charged with stealing televisions, laptops, a cello and camcorder from Buckna Presbyterian Church on June 8 this year.

On the same date he is also accused of stealing £75 and a mobile phone from a business at Main Street in Broughshane.

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Photo: Buckna Presbyterian Church.

05/09/2024

Man is accused of disorderly behaviour

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A MAN is accused of being disorderly at, according to his charge sheet, the Rossdale area of Ballymena.

Curtis Dunlop (22), formerly with an address listed as Pinegrove Park in Ballymena but now given as Lanntara in the town, is also charged with possessing co***ne and assaulting and resisting a police officer on the same day - August 10 this year.

The defendant was in the dock at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday and the case was adjourned to September 12.

04/09/2024

'Nunchucks' charge withdrawn for caution

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A 51-YEAR-OLD man who had been accused of possessing 'nunchucks' as an offensive weapon has had the charge withdrawn for a caution at Ards Magistrates' Court.

Christopher Scranage, of Gibson's Green, Bangor, had been accused of possessing the item at Gibson's Green on March 15 this year.

04/09/2024

Court hears '£2,000' worth of damage was caused during 4am disturbance at hotel

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DAMAGE estimated at '£2,000' was caused to a hotel room during a disturbance at four o'clock in the morning, Ards Magistrates' Court was told.

Stephanie Veicht (35), with an address listed as in Liverpool, admitted causing criminal damage at the Ivanhoe Hotel near Carryduff on May 22 this year.

A prosecutor said police were called at 4am after a disturbance when "shouting and screaming" and the sound of items being smashed was coming from a hotel room.

Police were met by the defendant and and another person and both had injuries to their hands and feet.

There was a broken table lamp and blood stains on the carpet, bed and towels, the court was told.

The court heard the damage was estimated at '£2,000'.

A defence barrister said the defendant was "remorseful".

The court heard a co-accused had been reported in relation to the case.

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter said the defendant had no record and gave her a two year conditional discharge.

£500 compensation had already been raised and the judge ordered the defendant to pay £1,500 compensation to the hotel.

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Photo: The Ivanhoe Hotel. Picture from Google Maps.

04/09/2024

Man sentenced following clothes shop ram raid

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A MAN (26) has been sentenced following a ram raid on a clothes shop in Belfast city centre.

Over £7,500 worth of designer jackets were stolen during the burglary of the SD Kells shop at Bedford Street.

On the night of December 6, 2021, police were alerted to a burglary. A vehicle had mounted the kerb and had been driven through the front door of the premises.

A man was sentenced today at Belfast Crown Court, in relation to the burglary.

In a press statement after the court, Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: “On December 6th, 2021, it was reported that an uninsured vehicle was used to force entry to commercial premises in Bedford Street in Belfast outside of business hours.

“Three people were reported to have alighted from the vehicle and entered the premises, before removing a number of items of high value clothing, and making off in the same vehicle, which was driven by a fourth person.

“Today Daniel Curley pled guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. He was sentenced to an 18-month custodial sentence, to serve half on licence.

“Thanks to the hard work of local detectives, officers from the Local Policing Team, and members of the public, a conviction was secured. I hope this sentencing sends out a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of crime.”

In May this year another man, aged 29, had been sentenced for his role in the raid.

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Photo: The SD Kells shop in Belfast. Picture from Google Maps.

04/09/2024

Man remanded in custody after damage was caused to multiple vehicles in Larne

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A MAN has been remanded in custody after being charged to court following a number of reports of criminal damage to cars in the Victoria Road, Curran Road, Chelmsford Place, Portland Road, Glenarm Road and Chaine Memorial Road areas of Larne.

James McCambridge (25), formerly with a Larne address but now listed as in Derry/Londonderry, is charged with a number of offences including 14 counts of criminal damage and two counts of theft relating to Monday of this week.

He appeared before Limavady Magistrates' Court, sitting in Coleraine, today. Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody to Ballymena Court on September 26.

04/09/2024

Man who allegedly attempted to place Palestine flag at July 12 parade route is charged with 'doing provocative act'

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A MAN who allegedly attempted to place a Palestine flag at the route of a parade on July 12 this year has been charged with 'doing a provocative act'.

The charge is that he 'did an act, namely attempted several times, to place a Palestine flag on an archway overhanging a parade route with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or by which a breach of the peace or public disorder was likely to be occasioned'.

The accused is Barry Stephen Maxwell (33), of Rathkeele Way in Derry/Londonderry.

At the Magistrates' Court in the city today the case was adjourned to October.

04/09/2024

Man accused of arson at block of flats has bail bid turned down

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A MAN accused of arson whilst being 'reckless' regarding the potential danger to the lives of people in other properties in a block of flats at Dundonald near Belfast, has been refused bail.

Gary Collins (23), with an address listed as Belvoir House - a residential tower block at Drumart Drive in the Belvoir estate near Belfast - is charged with arson of, according to his charge sheet, a 'Moses Basket' and bedroom of a flat at Beauly Drive in Dundonald, on April 24 this year.

Ards Magistrates' Court heard the fire was in a first floor flat at the Beauly Drive block - a two-storey high block of six homes.

Objecting to bail, a police officer said a smoke alarm sounded after 8pm on April 24 at the Beauly Drive property. Fire Service said a "deliberate ignition" had been started in a bedroom.

The fire had not spread beyond the room but there was smoke damage elsewhere in the dwelling.

When interviewed, Collins denied setting the fire.

The court heard Collins had previous arson convictions.

A defence lawyer said those convictions were at a "shed in the grounds of Hydebank (Prison) where he had been sleeping rough" when "very little damage" was caused and the other arson involved "minimal damage" to a bin in Belfast city centre.

The lawyer added: "At first blush it is very concerning but when one examines the facts of the matters they are not in the Premier League".

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter refused bail and the case was adjourned to October 2.

04/09/2024

Alleged theft of items worth '£10,000'

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A MAN is accused of stealing, according to his charge sheet, 'signs to the value of £10,000 or thereabouts belonging to Signs & Graphics, Bangor'.

Patrick McCann (59), of Causeway End Crescent in Lisburn, is charged in relation to April 29, 2023.

At Ards Magistrates' Court the case was adjourned to October 15.

03/09/2024

Court hears of stabbing during 'scuffle at balcony'

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A COURT was told a stabbing allegedly happened amidst a claim that an attempt was made to throw a man over a balcony.

Gareth Johnston (24), with an address listed as Donore Crescent in Antrim town, is accused of attempted murder; possessing an offensive weapon; and possession of cannabis in relation to March 25 this year.

The defendant appeared, via video link from prison, at Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena.

The court heard he has been on remand in custody since March.

A defence solicitor told the court the accused had been "friendly" with the alleged victim and he had gone to the man's address because he was owed money.

The lawyer said Johnston had "bitten off more than he could chew" as it was alleged the other man "was the aggressor".

The defence solicitor said the other man "had actually attacked" Johnston "and hit him with a Samurai Sword in the middle of a scuffle and melee were (the other man) was trying to push Mr Johnston over the edge of a balcony".

The defence lawyer added: "A knife fell to the ground at which point Mr Johnston, in extremis, used the knife. It is a single action from him and then he helped, subsequently in getting the police to (the man) so he could be treated".

District Judge Nigel Broderick refused bail saying a proposed address remains too close to the complainant.

The case was adjourned to September 24.

03/09/2024

Eight months prison term for man who burgled pizza outlet in Ballymena on July 12

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A MAN who stole a till, cash and the contents of a staff tip jar during a burglary of Apache Pizza in Ballymena on July 12 this year has been jailed for eight months.

Dean David Speirs (28), of Dunclug Gardens in the town, also admitted stealing a shirt worth £30 from TK Maxx and food worth £23 from a Spar shop in Ballymena on June 7.

On June 11 he stole food worth £12 from another Spar shop in Ballymena and he had taken goods worth £12 from Poundland on July 11.

He appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena, via video link from prison where he had been on remand.

The court heard Apache Pizza had been burgled at 2.15am on July 12. A door had been forced and a till, £30 cash, some drinks and a tip jar "with unknown contents" were taken.

The defendant was identified from CCTV.

When interviewed the defendant initially told police he "couldn't remember" the burglary.

In the TK Maxx incident the defendant entered the store "with his dog" and two females and took a Polo top.

A defence barrister said the thefts were to "fuel drug addiction" and the defendant's life had been "spiraling out of control" but he is now trying to turn his life around.

The lawyer said Speirs had taken the clothing from TK Maxx "because he genuinely wanted to feel good about himself".

The offences had been in breach of suspended jail sentences.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said it was "somewhat of a depressing picture" that the offending was "fuelled by an addiction to drugs".

Jailing the defendant for eight months the judge said courts had tried to address the defendant's offending in the past with Probation Orders.

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Photo: Apache Pizza in Ballymena. Picture from Google Maps.

03/09/2024

'Violent bully' told ex-partner he would wreck her workplace with his 'favourite friend' - a baseball bat

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A 'VIOLENT bully' threatened his ex-partner that he would wreck her workplace with his "favourite friend" - a baseball bat.

Martin John Edgar (47), of Cornwall Close in Antrim town, was sentenced for 'domestic abuse'.

At Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena, District Judge Nigel Broderick described the defendant as a "violent bully" and sentenced him to six months in prison.

The court heard there were incidents in March and April this year.

A prosecutor said the defendant had made threats to his ex-partner and had called her a number of times on her mobile phone and also at her workplace.

On one occasion he arrived at her home and "turned the electric off".

The court was told that during a phone call with his ex-partner the defendant told her: "Watch your back. If I see you in the estate in the jeep I am going to wreck the jeep."

The defendant made reference to his own car and said: "The white Audi will be on top of you".

Edgar left voicemails saying he was "going to annihilate" his ex-partner and he threatened to attend her work and "wreck the place", saying he would "go down swinging with his favourite friend, his baseball bat".

The defendant had pleaded guilty.

A defence lawyer said the threats were "done in anger".

Judge Broderick said courts have said they will "deal rigorously with perpetrators of domestic abuse".

He said the defendant had previously "violently assaulted" the victim in 2011 and had received an eight months prison term, suspended for three years, at that stage.

Regarding the incidents this year, the judge said the behaviour was "appalling" and displayed "all the hallmarks of a violent bully who takes out his sense of anger by being violent or threatening violence against your former partner".

The judge said the defendant had turned off electricity and threatened violence, "mentioning a baseball bat; running her over in a car".

He said it had been "totally appalling" and had no doubt been done "to engender fear and dominance over the victim".

The judge jailed the defendant for six months and put in place a two year Restraining Order.

Bail in the sum of £500 was fixed for appeal with conditions that he is to have no contact with his ex-partner and he is not to enter a part of Antrim town.

03/09/2024

Woman allegedly had 'vodka bottle' and screwdriver as offensive weapons

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A 29-YEAR-OLD woman is charged with assaults and having a 'vodka bottle' and screwdriver as offensive weapons.

Caragh Donnelly, of Old Bleach Villas in Randalstown, is charged in relation to August 5 this year.

She is also charged with causing criminal damage to 'reading glasses' and a kitchen door; and theft of vodka and ci******es.

She appeared in the dock at Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena, on Tuesday and the case was adjourned to October 1.

03/09/2024

Motorist hit 102mph after his partner had gone into labour but judge bans him saying there could never be an excuse for such speeds

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A JUDGE told a motorist who hit a speed of over 100mph after being informed his partner had gone into labour that there could never be an excuse for such driving and banned him from the roads for a month.

District Judge Nigel Broderick was speaking to Martin Carville (29), of Siulnamona Court in Belfast, who was detected doing 102mph in a 70mph zone - the M2 motorway on July 4 this year.

The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of excess speed.

As a prosecutor began outlining the speed, the judge said: "Why am I constantly seeing drivers driving at excess of 100mph. There is hardly a day goes by that I haven't got these cases in front of me.

"Is nobody aware of the dangers of driving so fast and the risks to their licence when they do so?"

A defence barrister said the defendant was aware and "it is not wasted on him".

The lawyer then told the court that what "set this case perhaps slightly different from others" was that the defendant received a phone call saying his partner had "gone into labour".

The defendant had been in the Ballycastle area and he was "panicked" and determined to get to his partner.

Judge Broderick told Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena: "There is always a reason. When you hit somebody at 100mph, even if you are going to put out a fire, it is still cold comfort for the person you hit.

"I have no doubt in his own mind he thought he was doing the right thing but by trying to solve one problem he was creating another one".

The defence lawyer urged the judge not to ban the defendant and to see the incident as a "one off".

The judge told the defendant: "I deliver this warning to defendants all too often. I take a dim view of anyone who drives at 100mph.

"No doubt you felt there was a good reason because you were running to the aid of your partner who was about to give birth but in doing so you created danger on the roads and had there been an accident at this speed there could have been significant injury if not worse".

The judge said there "must be a deterrence to all people who consider driving at 100mph or faster. It is not acceptable and it must stop".

As well as the one month ban the defendant was also fined £150.

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