Elgin biker caught going 125mph on the A96 in Moray

A biker caught travelling at 125mph on the A96 was “trying to put some distance” between himself and another vehicle.

Elgin Sheriff Court heard that Samuel Bliss was concerned about the behaviour of a driver he’d overtaken shortly beforehand.

Defence solicitor Iain Maltman told the court that his 30-year-old client had experienced “some animosity with others in his neighbourhood”.

The lawyer added: “His windows had been smashed in what he understands to have been a targeted attack.

“Shortly before the offence he’d had this in mind.

“A vehicle in front of him had slowed down to about 40mph then accelerated as he overtook it.

“He fully appreciates that he shouldn’t have been travelling at anything like that speed, but he wanted to put some distance between himself and that other vehicle.

It was already dark when Bliss was pulled over by the police near the Mosstodloch bypass between Elgin and Fochabers, on March 19 at 8.30pm.

It was stated in court that he had been travelling at more than twice the 60mph speed limit.

Bliss, a sawmill worker who lives on Victoria Crescent, Elgin, pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving at a “grossly excessive” speed.

He was banned from driving for a year.

In addition he was fined £500 and told he will have to resit his test before he can get back his driving licence.