A Perth Prison officer has been banned from driving after she was clocked speeding down the M90 at 112mph.
Caroline Gray was racing home in a brand new car and did not notice she was travelling at more than one-and-a-half times the speed limit.
The 27-year-old was originally charged with dangerous driving near Bridge of Earn on January 27.
She appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted an alternative charge of speeding.
Gray, of Fife, faces further disciplinary action by her employers, the court heard.
Took her eye off the ball
Fiscal depute Stuart Hamilton said Gray was spotted by police at around 9.20pm.
“She was detected by a mobile patrol using a laser device.
“She was given a section one (dangerous driving) warning and made no reply to being cautioned and charged.”
Solicitor Jamie Baxter, defending, said: “There was no indication of any danger being caused by her conduct.
“She is extremely remorseful.”
He told the court: “Ms Gray works at HMP Perth as a residential officer and on this day, she was driving home after her shift ended at 9pm.”
Mr Baxter said his client had received missed calls throughout the day, telling her a young relative had fallen ill.
“She was very concerned about this and was keen to get home.
“She accepts she took her eye off the ball as far as her speed was concerned.”
Disciplinary action
The solicitor said: “There is another explanation – shortly prior to this incident, Ms Gray had changed vehicle.
“Her last car had a top speed of 70mph and would rattle if it reached that speed.
“On this day, she had recently purchased a Volkswagen Golf, which is significantly safer but also significantly faster.
“She was not used to the lack of vibrations when she was travelling at high speed.”
Mr Baxter said: “A disqualification will cause her significant problems getting to and from work, given there is no public transport.
“But I understand this will not mean she will lose her job.”
He added: “She will receive disciplinary action at work because of this.”
Sheriff Mungo Bovey told Gray: “I’m afraid this speed does call, in my view, for a significant period of disqualification.”
Gray was fined £667 and banned from driving for 10 months.
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