A motorcyclist has been fined £2,000 and banned for 18 months after driving at 130mph on the north’s busiest road.
An unmarked police car pursued Joshua MacPhee for six miles on the A9, but the rider did not notice its sirens and blue flashing lights.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that the 26-year old, of Ord Road, Muir of Ord, was seen by officers overtaking several vehicles on the nearside lane of the dual carriageway before accelerating at speed away from them.
The lengthy pursuit began on the A9 near the Munlochy junction on September 29 last year.
The court heard that the police vehicle attempted to keep up with the bike but it continued to pull away from them.
Fiscal depute Ross Carvel said: “The blue lights and siren were activated near the Arpafeelie junction with the police car travelling at a constant speed of 130mph.
“However he continued to pass a number of vehicles despite warning signs of pedestrians crossing.
“Police were directly behind him when he stopped at the Tore Roundabout but it appeared he was obliviois to their presence and he headed towards Muir of Ord.
“He once again accelerated at speed, passing more warning signs, junctions and houses.” Mr Carvel said.
He added that he was travelling at speeds of almost twice the permitted speed limit of 60mph and did a number of high speed overtakes.
“He was forced to slow down by a series of bends and he then became aware of the police behind him and stopped,” the fiscal depute added.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson said: “It is a long time to become aware of blue lights and sirens.”
MacPhee admitted a charge of dangerous driving.
Defending, Shahid Latif said his client, who has since sold the bike, had “no explanation” for his driving.
“He also accepts there can be no justification for driving at these speeds,” he said.
“He is sorry and accepts full responsibility. He is at a loss to explain why he drove that way.”
The landscape gardener will have to resit the extended driving test before he can drive again.
