Andrew Dinan's dangerous driving leads to severe penalties and public safety concerns.
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Introduction
A recent incident in Portlethen has raised serious concerns about road safety, as a local man was banned from driving for three years after admitting to reaching speeds of 130mph on a motorcycle. This alarming case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the consequences that follow.
The Incident
On June 24, 2022, Andrew Dinan, 28, was observed by traffic police riding a silver Honda 1000cc motorcycle through Altens, Aberdeen. Officers were conducting speed checks in the Loch of Loirston area when they noticed Dinan’s motorcycle exceeding the speed limit just before 7 PM.
According to the fiscal depute, Lydia Williams, Dinan was seen undertaking and swerving around other vehicles, reaching an astonishing speed of 130mph.
Witnesses reported that Dinan made a sharp turn onto the Aberdeen to Stonehaven Road, continuing to accelerate dangerously. The police attempted to pursue him, but he executed a harsh braking maneuver onto the Portlethen road, causing them to lose sight of him. Later, officers traced Dinan to his home address, where he faced multiple charges related to his reckless behavior.
Previous Offenses and Legal Proceedings
This was not Dinan’s first encounter with the law. In 2021, he was fined after his modified sports car became stuck in the sand at Stonehaven harbor. During the recent court proceedings, it was revealed that Dinan had claimed the motorcycle was stolen and dumped near Netherley Smithy, but these charges were eventually dropped. Police checks indicated that the motorcycle lacked a valid insurance policy and MOT certificate.
Dinan’s defense solicitor, Ian Hingston, argued that the motorcycle did not belong to his client, who owned several cars and believed he had valid group insurance. Hingston acknowledged that Dinan’s actions represented a significant lapse in judgment, emphasizing that he had always been a law-abiding citizen until this incident.
Consequences and Public Safety Concerns
As a result of his reckless driving, Sheriff Rhona Wark imposed a 36-month driving ban on Dinan and mandated that he complete an extended driving test before regaining his license. Additionally, he was fined £2,575, with the sheriff stating that his driving posed a serious threat to public safety. The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the offense and the potential dangers associated with such reckless behavior on the roads.
Dinan expressed shame and embarrassment over his actions, stating that he works as an engineer globally and drives for the blind in his spare time. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving and the potential consequences of neglecting those responsibilities.
