High speed teen loses licence

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, October 10, how Jordan Fletcher, of Burton Edge, Bakewell, was spotted breaking the 50mph limit on the A515 by an unmarked police car.

The court heard how Fletcher, 19, who admitted the speeding offence, was driving his Volkswagen towards Buxton on May 7.

In a statement read to the court, PC Scott Jeffries said he was in a unmarked police vehicle, equipped with an on-board video camera, travelling northbound towards Buxton when he saw Fletcher travelling at excessive speed. He followed him for approximately 0.3 miles before pulling him over.

Fletcher told the court he was sorry for his actions, but was heavily dependent on his car to travel to and from work and college.

He said: “I am really sorry for what I have done. I never intended to go as fast as I did.

“A car was coming up behind me, and I felt threatened and provoked into speeding.

“A disqualification will affect my job and college course as I won’t be able to get there – at least not on time and nobody would be able to give me a lift. I can’t imagine my boss being happy with me being late every day.

“I really enjoy driving and am sad to lose my licence for any amount of time. But I understand and am genuinely sorry.”

The court accepted Fletcher’s guilty plea but due to the excessive speed could not consider a fine or speed awareness course.

Magistrate Mrs Graham said: “The excessive speed at which you were travelling is concerning. It was double the limit on a dangerous road, which is why the limit is in place.

“You could have killed yourself, or someone else. Perhaps you will now have learnt an important lesson.”

Fletcher was disqualified for 30 days and told not drive any motor vehicle for that period.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £30.