John Patrick Smith, 25, of Boorook Road, Cooriemungle, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday over charges of speeding dangerously. 

The court heard Smith was clocked on police radar driving at 168km/h in a 100km/h zone near Camperdown on April 5, this year. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Nathan Brown said police immediately impounded Smith’s car for 30 days. 

“When asked what his reason was, he said he was trying to get to Terang by 2pm,” Senior Constable Brown said. 

“During the interception police also observed a 15-year-old child in a passenger seat,” the police prosecutor said

Smith represented himself in court. 

Magistrate Andrew Capell asked the accused directly: “What was the hurry?”  

Smith replied in court: “There were some shops we were trying to get to”. 

He said he hadn’t noticed how far over the limit he was driving. 

“I have a good record. It was a complete and utter mistake. 

“I did wrong and I have to take the consequences for what they are,” Smith said.

Smith was fined $700 and received a 12-month licence disqualification. 

The court also ordered he undertake a safe driving course.