A 33-YEAR-OLD man who sped past a police car and was driving too close to the vehicle in front of him later claimed that he had been testing his accelerator as he believed his speedometer was “defective”, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Igoris Orlovas, of College Gardens, Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to driving at excess speed and without due care and attention along the A4 road on February 12 this year.

The court heard that, at around 10pm, police travelling along the A4 road, near Lisbellaw, in the direction of Maguiresbridge were overtaken “at high speed” by two vehicles at the start of the overtaking lane.

While officers were unable to identify the first vehicle, they observed that the second was a Volkswagen Jetta. It was travelling “very close” behind the first vehicle, and there was less than two car lengths between them.

Police followed the cars and noted that they were speeding in excess of 80mph at times. The Volkwagen Jetta also maintained its close distance behind the other car “constantly”.

Although the Jetta initially failed to pull over, it eventually came to a stop past Maguiresbridge on the A4. Police approached the driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, and informed him of their observations.

The defendant explained that he had been “testing” the car’s accelerator as he believed the speedometer was defective, the court heard.

When he was cautioned with the two offences, the defendant nodded that he understood, but made no actual reply.

Speaking in court through an interpreter, the defendant insisted that he had pulled over as soon as he noticed the police and their lights.

After he was asked by the judge why he had been driving so close to the other car, he replied: “I’m not really sure. I thought I was two car lengths.”

District judge, Nigel Broderick, imposed fines totalling £300, a £15 offender levy and six penalty points on his licence.