Martin Christopher Stokes, 31, from Harmin Drive in Newtownabbey, has been banned from driving for three years after being caught travelling at 106mph on the M2 motorway near the Rathbeg roundabout.

The incident occurred on 27 May last year. Police clocked the vehicle at 36mph over the national speed limit and stopped it. Officers found seven people inside, including four children under 12 in the back seat who were not properly restrained.

No booster seats or child seats were present, and some children were sharing seat belts. Ballymena Magistrates' Court heard Stokes pleaded guilty to five offences: using a vehicle in a condition causing danger to passengers, excess speed, and three counts of carrying a child under 12 without proper restraint.

A defence lawyer stated Stokes was rushing to hospital after news of a relative's serious illness but noted this was no excuse. The lawyer conceded Stokes has previous convictions, including driving while unfit through drink or drugs, and is already subject to a driving ban until 2028.

District Judge Nigel Broderick noted aggravating features in the case and described the concession as an understatement. In addition to the three-year driving ban, Stokes was fined £500. He was not present in court.