Fine and points for 110mph M8 driver who had kids in his car

Feb 3 2010 Airdrie & Coatbridge

A MOTORIST who drove his Bentley at 110mph on the M8 with two children as passengers has been fined and given penalty points.

John Aire admitted speeding at 40 miles per hour over the limit near the Showcase cinema late on May 9.

Fiscal depute Agnes Meek told Airdrie Sheriff Court: “Police on mobile patrol at 10.50pm saw a black Bentley, driven by the accused, speed past.

“They had been travelling at 70mph in the outside lane and had pulled in and they noticed the vehicle to exceed the speed limit to 110mph.

“Officers switched on the blue lights and the accused pulled over and they found that there were two children in the car, aged five and 11.”

Aire, of Quarry Street in Coatbridge, admitted driving carelessly and at the high speed on the eastbound carriageway, near junction eight.

The 44-year-old’s defence agent told Sheriff Morag Galbraith: “He was driving from Glasgow and stupidly, because the roads were quiet and conditions good, decided to drive at a speed in excess of 70 mph.

“Immediately the blue lights were activated, he slowed and pulled in, and he very much regrets this stupid action over a period of one mile.

“His licence is really essential for his job as a baker/manager and he is responsible for the administration and maintenance of a bakery, and self-employed van drivers uplift rolls and cakes and deliver them to shops and garages.

“This was not in any way excusable and he very much regrets it. This was over one mile and I would ask the court to deal with this not involving disqualification.”

Sheriff Galbraith, who had earlier noted that Aire previously had a clean driving licence, ordered that five penalty points be added to his licence and imposed a £300 fine.