A Highland League star was caught doing almost 50mph over speed bumps in a 20mph residential street on his way to training, a court heard today.
Ryan Booth, a goalkeeper in Dundee United’s youth setup who has been capped by Scotland’s under-16 side, was going so fast his car was “bouncing” and “destabilised” as he sped through Strathkinness in north-east Fife.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard Booth, who is currently on loan with Highland League side Inverurie Loco Works, was on his way to United’s training base in St Andrews when he was clocked at 48mph in the 20mph zone by police.
Fiscal depute John Adams told Dundee Sheriff Court that roadside cops spotted him at 9.30am on February 23 last year.
He said: “Officers were stationery carrying out speed checks and clocked him doing 48mph in the 20mph zone.
“He continued down hill towards police officers travelling over speed bumps causing his car to bounce from side to side.
“Officers were particularly concerned given his speed and the fact there were junctions and private driveways on the road.
“As he approached police stopped him and warned him accordingly.”
Booth, 18, of Berryhill Park, Insch, Aberdeenshire, pleaded guilty a charge of summary complaint committed on February 23 last year.
Solicitor Jim Eodanable, defending, said: “He is an aspiring apprentice footballer and was on the way to training at the time.
“He is embarrassed and ashamed to find himself in this position.
“I’d ask that this is dealt with in such a way that the sword of Damacles is over him in terms of his licence.”
Sheriff John Rafferty imposed a £500 fine and put five penalty points on Booth’s licence.
He said: “This is quite a significant careless driving case.
“As your solicitor indicates this puts you in a precarious position but will allow you to continue to drive.”