Fine for Caithness driver after unsafe overtake
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An Auckengill driver who attempted to overtake when it wasn't safe to do so has been fined £500.
Michael Joyce (52) pulled his works van back into its own side of the road when he realised he would not be able to conclude the manoeuvre in advance of an oncoming car, Wick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.
Joyce admitted a reduced charge of careless driving which occurred on the Murkle straight, on the A836, on February 16, last year. He also incurred three penalty points.
Fiscal David Barclay said that the vehicle Joyce had intended to overtake may have increased its speed. Sheriff Mark Lindsay QC commented: "I think we have all had personal experience of that."
Solicitor George Mathers said that Joyce, of Burnside Cottage, Auckengill, was a heating engineer with a 'huge' area to service and consequently depended on his licence for his livelihood.
