Driver caught at speeds of up to 125mph on A9 banned

A highly-paid offshore oil worker who drove at speeds of up to 125mph on the A9 asked for 28 days to pay a £2,000 fine at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.

Graham Stalker, 35, of Newmore Farm Cottages, Invergordon, had earlier admitted driving dangerously in the darkness hours on June 1, this year at Arpafeelie. Sentence was deferred for a background report.

Sheriff Margaret Neilson said that Stalker had “a shocking record for road traffic offences”. He had admitted three other previous offences including driving carelessly and drink driving.

Defence solicitor Rory Gowans said: “There is no mitigation for driving at that speed. The vehicle is for sale and he knows he won’t be driving for a long time.

“It was not only a danger to other people, but to himself. This will not happen again. It was a rush of blood.”

Stalker was also banned from driving for two years and ordered to resit the extended driving test before he can return to behind the wheel.