Dundee United ace caught driving at 95mph in city centre

Mihael Kovacevic:  Community service

A footballer who drove at 95mph through Dundee city centre — more than double the speed limit — has got away with community service.

Mihael Kovacevic was sentenced to 100 hours community by Sheriff George Way as “an example” to young people.

The Swiss-born Dundee United defender was caught driving at 95mph in a 40mph zone on Dundee's East Dock Street.

He claimed he had been confused over the speed limit - mistaking a 70mph sign on an adjacent railway line with the signs beside the road.

But Kovacevic did admit to driving dangerously and at grossly excessive speeds in his Audi A8 4-2 Quattro which was picked up by a hand-held laser gun during police speed checks.

The prosecutor said: "Given the speed he was travelling and the area the officers pursued the accused's vehicle.

"When he was stopped and told why the police wanted to speak to him he immediately said 'I was just testing my car'.

"When he was shown the reading on the gun he said 'I didn't look at my speed'."

Solicitor Graham Walker, defending, told the court that it was a "misconception" that all professional footballers earn huge salaries - and that his client's income was relatively modest.

Sheriff Way said performing unpaid work for the community would be good for someone who had "role model status".

He orded him to carry out 100 community service, fined him £700 and banned him from driving for 14 months.