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18
Jun
Ban for driver who hit 115mph on A1(M) near Boroughbridge
A dangerous driver who clocked up 115 miles per hour on the A1(M) near Boroughbridge has been banned from driving and fined.
Oliver Todd, 24, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court today (June 18) where he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.
Todd, of Park View, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the A1(M) on December 31, 2025.
The prosecution said the 24-year-old was driving a Mercedes Benz on the southbound carriageway on the evening of the offence.
Officers on patrol noticed the car driving at around 85 miles per hour and began to follow it, the court heard.
Magistrates were told that Todd then undertook two vehicles on the inside lane, which led to police to pursue him.
However, the prosecution said when officers in an unmarked car started to drive behind Todd he hit speeds of 115 miles per hour.
The court was told that Todd then pulled over near junction 47 when police turned on their blue lights.
When spoken to by officers, the 24-year-old said he was late for a New Year’s Eve party in the Nottingham area and was going at high speed because he thought the car behind him had “road rage” and was worried about the reaction.
Late to meet friends
Kristina Lancaster, defending, told the court that Todd was “frustrated” because he was late to meet friends.
She added that his father had cancer and around the time of the offence had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, which caused additional stress. Todd moved back in with his father to help with care.
Todd, who works as an engineer for a defence contractor, had taken the opportunity to visit friends for New Year’s Eve, she added.
Ms Lancaster said:
He had a significant period of time without spending time with friends. On that evening, he had left later than intended. He was worried and was getting frustrated. He made the silly decision to undertake and go past two cars on the inside lane.
Ms Lancaster added that Todd had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had no previous convictions.
Andrew Watson, a probation officer who produced a pre-sentence report on Todd, said the defendant understood that his actions were “foolish” and was remorseful.
Mr Watson said that the offence was “out of character”.
Magistrates banned Todd from driving for 12 months and ordered him to take an extended retest at the end of the ban.
He was also fined £2,726 and ordered to pay a victims’ surcharge of £1,090 and court costs of £85.
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