A 45-YEAR-OLD man caught speeding on the Macroom bypass has been convicted and fined €275 for the offence.

William Collins, of Castlemaine Bridge, Tralee, Co Kerry pleaded guilty at Macroom District Court to careless driving on August 16th last.

The court heard that at 2.15am gardaí in an unmarked patrol car witnessed Mr Collins speeding  on the Macroom bypass at Coolavokig.

They tried to catch up with him, eventually matching his speed at 158 kmh and pulled him over.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions, but had previously been given speeding and parking fines, which means he has 11 points on his  driving licence.

Defence solicitor Eimear Griffin said her client had tax and insurance on his car and fully accepted he was speeding.

The court heard that he was on his way home after playing cards with friends in Cork city.

The accused looks after his elderly mother and drives her to medical appointments, added Ms Griffin.

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted and fined him €275 and gave him four months to pay the fine.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.