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166mph biker 'seduced by speed' | |
(20 minutes later) | |
A biker has been jailed for nine months after being caught doing what is believed to be the fastest speed ever recorded on a Scottish road. | A biker has been jailed for nine months after being caught doing what is believed to be the fastest speed ever recorded on a Scottish road. |
Neil Purves, 27, of Cockburnspath, was detected by police as he travelled at 166mph on a 60mph stretch of the A702 near West Linton in the Borders. | Neil Purves, 27, of Cockburnspath, was detected by police as he travelled at 166mph on a 60mph stretch of the A702 near West Linton in the Borders. |
He had admitted a charge of dangerous driving in a previous appearance at Peebles Sheriff Court. | He had admitted a charge of dangerous driving in a previous appearance at Peebles Sheriff Court. |
Graham Walker, representing Purves, said he had been "seduced by speed". | |
In addition to his jail term, Purves has also been disqualified from driving for five years. | |
Mr Walker told the court: "It is fair to say superbikes have a seductive appeal to them. | |
"It is fair to say he was seduced by speed." | |
'Deeply ashamed' | |
However, Sheriff John Horsburgh said there was no alternative to a jail term. | |
He said: "The speed at which you were travelling means a custodial sentence is the only option I have." | |
The court heard that Purves, who has since sold his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 motorbike, covered 0.7 of a mile in just 16 seconds on 13 May this year. | |
His lawyer said he was "deeply ashamed" of the offence. | |
Procurator Fiscal Morag McLintock told a previous hearing: "We believe this is the highest speed that the police have ever recorded in Scotland. | |
"A police speed check was taking place when officers were alerted by a high pitched whine from the motorcycle's engine." | |
Last year more than 20 motorists were caught travelling at more than 100mph on the Dolphinton stretch of the A702. | |
It has sparked calls for permanent speed cameras in the area. |
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