A TEENAGER caught speeding in Irvine has dodged a ban from the roads.

Nathan Smith, 19, admitted driving at 50mph in the 30mph limit on Old Stewarton Road on July 27 last year.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how the weather was inclement and the road was wet while Smith, of Irvine’s Barclay Gardens, was driving.

At around 8pm, police conducting a static speed check saw Smith driving his Audi A1 at 50mph.

The road from the A769 to Old Stewarton Road drops from 60mph to 30mph.

Police in their unmarked vehicle drove behind Smith and flagged for him to pull over.

After complying, he revealed to police that he was the driver and had passed his driving test seven weeks prior.

He was cautioned and charged and allowed to carry on driving.

Smith pleaded guilty to the charge at court last week.

Simon Brown, defending, said his client conceded that he was going too fast despite not realising the drop in speed limit.

Smith works for a phone company in Edinburgh and Mr Brown hoped presiding Sheriff Iona McDonald would not hand the teen a driving ban.

Sheriff McDonald shared her sympathy with Smith’s situation, saying: “I’m aware of this road. It does drop from 60mph to 30mph I appreciate it’s difficult for new drivers to realise.

“You have to be very careful and observe the speed limits.

Five penalty points were put on Smith’s licence and was fined £240.