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Speeding comic avoids driving ban Speeding comic avoids driving ban
(19 minutes later)
Comedian Patrick Kielty has escaped a driving ban after being caught speeding at more than 100mph in Scotland.Comedian Patrick Kielty has escaped a driving ban after being caught speeding at more than 100mph in Scotland.
The Northern Irish television star had pled guilty to driving at 101mph on the Gretna to Stranraer road in December.The Northern Irish television star had pled guilty to driving at 101mph on the Gretna to Stranraer road in December.
Kielty, 37, presenter of Fame Academy, was fined £1,200 and received six penalty points on his licence when he appeared at Stranraer Sheriff Court.Kielty, 37, presenter of Fame Academy, was fined £1,200 and received six penalty points on his licence when he appeared at Stranraer Sheriff Court.
Leaving court, he joked that the soaring price of petrol meant a ban would have saved him money.Leaving court, he joked that the soaring price of petrol meant a ban would have saved him money.
"I think it was a fair result," he said."I think it was a fair result," he said.
"To be honest with you, with the price of petrol at the moment, I was sort of half looking forward to a ban.""To be honest with you, with the price of petrol at the moment, I was sort of half looking forward to a ban."
Kielty was caught by police carrying out speed checks on the A75 as he drove to catch the ferry to Northern Ireland for a family visit.Kielty was caught by police carrying out speed checks on the A75 as he drove to catch the ferry to Northern Ireland for a family visit.
'Busy day''Busy day'
His lawyer, Gerald Tierney, said Kielty normally flew and was therefore unfamiliar with the road.His lawyer, Gerald Tierney, said Kielty normally flew and was therefore unfamiliar with the road.
"Having had a busy day working in London, his concentration slipped," he told the court."Having had a busy day working in London, his concentration slipped," he told the court.
"An error of judgment occurred.""An error of judgment occurred."
Mr Tierney spoke of Mr Kielty's involvement in "high-profile" charity events and smaller fundraisers such as golf tournaments.Mr Tierney spoke of Mr Kielty's involvement in "high-profile" charity events and smaller fundraisers such as golf tournaments.
He said it was these lesser-known charities which would suffer if Kielty was disqualified from driving.He said it was these lesser-known charities which would suffer if Kielty was disqualified from driving.
Sheriff Thomas Millar said he took into account the impact of a ban on the presenter's charity work.Sheriff Thomas Millar said he took into account the impact of a ban on the presenter's charity work.