A BALLINGRY driver who hit speeds of 130mph as a police patrol tried to catch him on the A92 has been banned from driving.

Patrick King’s speeding caught the attention of the police as he came off a slip road in his Volkwagen Golf and they went in pursuit.

King, 24, of Navitie Park, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on July 5, on the A92 westbound between Lochgelly and Crossgates, he drove a car carelessly at speeds of up to 130mph in a 70mph limit.

Depute fiscal Claire Kennedy said: “At 9.30pm, police officers observed the accused’s vehicle on a slip road going onto the A92. They were of the opinion it was being driven in excess of the speed limit.

“They followed him and attempted to catch up. The police car was travelling at 130mph but was not catching up on the accused’s vehicle.

“They activated their blue lights and the accused stopped on the slip road at Crossgates. He was the only person in the car.”

Defence solicitor David McLaughlin said: “It was a grossly excessive speed and he appreciates his licence is in jeopardy.

“The reason for this was because his grandmother was terminally ill and had taken a turn for the worse. He was going to take his father to her bedside.”

The solicitor said his client needed his licence because he worked in Winchburgh as a car valeter. “His job would be in jeopardy if he is not able to drive,” he added.

Sheriff Derek Reekie told King: “This speed is just outrageous. I accept the circumstances but the danger driving at this speed presents to the public remains the same.”

He said that in the interests of protecting the public, a ban was required.

He disqualified King from driving for six months and fined him £600.