Three motorists have been disqualified from driving following separate speeding offences dealt with at Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena.

Blair Maxwell, 27, of North Row, Larne, was caught driving at 120mph on the A8 dual carriageway, where the speed limit is 70mph. The prosecutor said he was in a Volkswagen Golf. His barrister told the court that Maxwell's partner had called him after breaking down in Belfast. She had recently passed her driving test and was distressed as other motorists sounded their horns. Maxwell sped to reach her and did not realize how fast he was going, the court heard. District Judge Nigel Broderick said he had never sat in a vehicle travelling at 120mph but would imagine the driver would be aware of the speed. He noted that while he deals with many cases involving speeds over 100mph, very few reach 120mph. Maxwell pleaded guilty to the charge. The judge said he was fortunate not to have been charged with dangerous driving. He was banned for three months and fined £250.

The judge also dealt with the case of Michael Short, 39, of Corliss Road near Crossmaglen. Short was detected speeding on the Moira Road near Crumlin on 15 March. He had been driving an Audi Q6 e-tron. His solicitor explained that Short had a clean driving licence and had been driving for 20 years. He works as an electrician and maintenance technician. The court heard that when lanes merged, Short accelerated rather than slowing down. The solicitor added that Short's wife is expecting a baby in four weeks and he would need to drive her to hospital. Short was disqualified for two weeks and fined £200.

Aaron Hall, 32, of Kilwaughter Mews, was clocked at 103mph. His barrister said another motorist had been tailgating him and when Hall could not move left, he sped up. The court was told Hall works as a farmer and a flight attendant and had no penalty points. Hall was banned for one month and fined £150.