A driver’s behaviour on the notorious Berriedale Braes in the Highlands caused concern to police travelling in the opposite direction.
Wick Sheriff Court heard yesterday that Steven Morris was travelling too close to the car in front of him, on July 22 last year.
The police, who were returning to Dingwall, turned their unmarked car to follow the accused.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that by that time, Morris had overtaken the vehicle in front of him and “sped away”.
The pursuing officers estimated his speed of the accused’s Ford Focus ST at 77 mph on average.
Mr Matheson told Sheriff Andrew Berry: “As you will know, the speed limit on that section of the A9 is 60mph but there are a number of sharp bends and it is fair to say that while 60mph is the permitted maximum speed, it is not necessarily an appropriate one.”
Morris, of Mayfield Road in Thurso, was stopped at the village of Dunbeath and given the option of a fixed penalty, which was unpaid.
He admitted a charge of careless driving by driving too close to the car in front of him and travelling at an excessive speed.
Sheriff Berry, who observed that Morris had a significant record for road traffic offences, ordered his personal appearance on March 1.