NOVICE motorcyclist Andrew Stuart Watson was clocked doing 129mph on the M65 when he took his powerful bike out for a Saturday afternoon blast.

And his high speed outing cost Watson, 25, of St Cuthbert's Road, Lostock Hall, Preston, a 28 day disqualification and £250 fine when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates and pleaded guilty to speeding.

Lesley Halliwell, defending, said Watson had passed his motorcycle test in January and the same month had gone out and bought a Honda 1000 VFR. On Saturday March 13 he had decided to take it for a run down the motorway.

"He was as surprised as anyone at the speed he was doing," said Miss Halliwell. "He had not realised just how powerful and fast it would be and he has now got rid of the machine."

Miss Halliwell said Watson is a maintenance plumber who travels all over the north of England and Scotland and any disqualification would affect his ability to do his job.

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