A company director from Claudy has been fined for repeatedly exceeding the speed limit for his vehicle, prompting a district judge to voice concerns about his attitude to road traffic regulations.

Martin McAteer, 44, of Straid Road, was caught driving above the 50 mph restriction for his vehicle classification on 25 March, 8 July, and 13 November last year. He received a fine of £375, plus a £15 offender levy for each offence.

At the hearing, District Judge Conor Heaney heard a defence submission that McAteer fully accepted the offences. His lawyer said the speeds involved were only slightly above the legal limit and highlighted that McAteer runs a business with UK-wide contracts and a workforce of 75.

The defence asked the court to impose a short period of disqualification, acknowledging that a ban was mandatory.

Judge Heaney, when imposing the penalties, said his main concern was the defendant’s casual approach to the traffic regulations.