AN auto technician who specialises in high performance vehicle upgrades had his driver’s licence suspended in court today for speeding at nearly 50km/h over the limit on the dangerous Indian Ocean Drive.
Irish-born Alan Vial pleaded guilty in Joondalup Magistrates Court to driving at 158km/h in a 110km/h zone near Sovereign Hill Drive in Gabbadah just north of Guilderton about 2pm on August 15.
Exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or over is considered reckless driving by law.
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READ NOWVial’s duty lawyer expressed her client’s remorse for the dangerous act.
Magistrate Gregory Benn made reference to the many deaths and serious crashes that had happened on Indian Ocean Drive in recent years.
“Are you aware of the publicity this highway has been getting in terms of its notoriety?” he asked Vial, who appeared to nod.
“You need to make sure you’re driving more responsibly.”
Mr Benn fined Vial $1500 and disqualified him from driving for six months, which was the minimum penalty for a first offence.