Dundee biker caught doing 117mph on rural road

A Dundee man found guilty of dangerous driving by riding his motorbike at more than 117mph was fined £1,000 and banned from driving for 16 months at Dingwall Sheriff Court yesterday.

Alexander Walker, 46, of 6 Inchcape Place, Broughty Ferry, was stopped by police on April 19 last year on the A835 Tore to Ullapool road after a pursuit of 12 miles between Inchbae Lodge near Garve and Loch Droma near Braemore junction.

Police witnesses said they were in an unmarked Saab parked at the side of the road and using a laser gun when they clocked the speed of another motorcyclist who was with Walker.

They then followed both riders for 12 miles before they could stop them.

Constable David Bellshaw, 53, from road policing in Dingwall, said he had driven at speeds of between 90mph to 100mph and had nearly become airborne during the pursuit over a bumpy section of road.

He said he had sirens and lights on and the pair did not stop until he had pulled alongside them.

Probationary constable Claire Harrison was asked by Walker’s lawyer, Gordon Williams: “This is a popular road for motorcyclists. Were you out to get motor- cyclists?”

She said they were targeting speeders.

Walker in evidence admitted he had been speeding but only doing 80mph or 90mph, but admitted he was not looking at his speedometer.

He said he thought the car coming up behind his friend’s bike was a road-rage driver and he didn’t realise they were police until the officer got out of the car.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFayden said the police gave credible and reliable testimony and were both clear on what they saw.

He said Mr Walker was uncomfortable and aggressive while giving evidence and by his own admission was not looking at his speedometer.