Danger driver sped through Gourock at nearly 70mph and 'put lives at risk'

Matthew Galbraith's conduct was described as 'shocking' by a sheriff who has banned him from the roads for a year-and-a-half.

Galbraith, 27 — who was behind the wheel of a powerful Ford Focus ST — must also resit the extended driving test at the end of his disqualification period.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how his average speed was 68mph in a built-up 30mph zone amid rain-soaked road conditions last December.

Prosecutor Joanne Gilmour said: "The locus is the main road through Gourock with cars parked on either side of the road.

"A number of pedestrians were in the vicinity, however, traffic was light.

"At around 10.30pm police on unmarked road patrol followed the accused, and on a video lasting 40 seconds his average speed was approximately 68mph.

"He told officers that he was trying to catch a ferry, as the next one after the one he was trying to catch was not until midnight."

The court was told that Galbraith already had three penalty points on his licence for a previous 80mph speeding offence.

His lawyer, Alistair Gray, said: "He'd been Christmas shopping with his girlfriend in Glasgow and felt at the time that he was in control of the vehicle.

"Mr Galbraith has not been in any accidents during his ten years on the road."

Mr Gray added: "He has been self-employed as a joiner for ten years, and subcontracts to a company.

"He has spoken to the contractor and been advised that having a driving licence is a mandatory requirement, so he will not be able to work with them any longer."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre said: "This was quite a shocking speed to be driving at.

"There could have been people coming out of pubs and cafes.

"Private concerns about getting on a boat have to take second place to the risk to life that driving at such speeds causes."

Galbraith, whose address was not given in court, was also fined £500.