Two separate driving-related cases were heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, on Tuesday.

Canice McIntosh, 18, of Glenariffe Road, Waterfoot, was banned from driving for one month and fined £100 after being caught speeding on the A6 near Toomebridge on March 16. McIntosh already had three penalty points on his licence.

A defence barrister told the court that McIntosh was on his way to a chemistry tutor at the time of the offence and is now a student at Queen's University studying chemical engineering. The barrister also said McIntosh trains as a hurler in his spare time.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said he limited the fine because of McIntosh's lack of income. The judge also commented that young men often fit the profile of those who drive at excessive speeds and are more likely to be involved in serious road traffic collisions.

In a separate case, Leanne Williamson, 43, formerly of Burma Place in Ballymena but now living at a Simon Community hostel in Belfast, admitted using an e-scooter without insurance and without a driving licence on November 24 last year. Police observed her riding the e-scooter on Francis Street, Ballymena, and she got off and walked when she noticed officers. The scooter was seized.

A prosecutor said police saw the defendant riding the e-scooter, and a police officer told the court there is a risk to the public from her continual offending. A defence barrister said Williamson has moved to Belfast and no longer has an e-scooter, adding that she is much more settled now.

Judge Broderick noted that Williamson has a number of relevant convictions for no insurance and no licence regarding e-scooters. He warned she is at real risk of going to jail but released her on bail for a pre-sentence report. She was bailed on £500 with conditions including not driving any vehicle or being on an e-scooter. The case was adjourned to mid-November.