Joseph James Matthew Brown, of Rossfad Road, Ballinamallard, admitted to a charge of excess speed
A CAR wash operator who was caught speeding at almost double the limit told police he was rushing home to fix a burst pipe, Fermanagh court has heard.
Joseph James Matthew Brown, of Rossfad Road, Ballinamallard, admitted to a charge of excess speed after he was clocked travelling at 107mph. He was fined £250 and four penalty points were endorsed on his licence.
A prosecutor told the court that on June 23, 2014, at approximately 12.30pm, police spotted a Mercedes travelling at 107 mph heading in the direction of Kesh where there is a 60mph speed limit.
The driver, Brown was stopped and cautioned over the offence, to which he replied: “I’m working under extreme conditions, there’s a burst pipe and I need to get home to fix the damage.”
A defence solicitor explained that Brown runs a car wash.
“That car wash operates 12 hours a day and he is very hands on,” he continued.
“He accepts fully the reason for speeding does not excuse his behaviour.
“The defendant is considered a very hard working man and travels from a remote area where he lives to Enniskillen, so his licence is very important to him.
“He employs seven people and brings some of the employees to work.”
Deputy District Judge pointed out Brown’s previous offences for speeding.
“You should pay attention to the rules of the road. That’s a disastrously and dangerous high speed and on the face of it you should be disqualified.
“You’re hard working and have built up a good business and people depend on you. But you need to be aware that you need a licence to operate and continue your business.”
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