A Dundee United football player who drove at 95mph in a 40mph zone has been ordered to work in the community as “an example” to young people.
Mihael Kovacevic was sentenced to 100 hours’ community service by Sheriff George Way, who told him he was a role model to young people and unpaid work could be used “positively” to reinforce that status.
Kovacevic (22) admitted that on October 23, in East Dock Street, he drove a car dangerously and at grossly excessive speeds up to 95mph in a 40mph zone.
The charge against Kovacevic had originally read he drove at speeds up to 104mph but an amended complaint was produced in court and accepted by the Crown.
The court had heard police had been carrying out speed checks on East Dock Street. The officers could hear a vehicle approaching and saw a car travelling at speed in the offside lane. On pointing a hand-held device at the car it was found to be driving at a top speed of 95mph.
Kovacevic was pursued to traffic lights beside the Gallagher Retail Park. He told the officers, “I was just testing my car. I didn’t look at my speed.”
His solicitor Graham Walker told the court on Thursday, “There is a myth that footballers are highly paid but my client is on the minimum salary at the club as he has been injured for some time.
“He has now had a very clear lesson and it is unlikely he will ever appear in court again. He pled guilty at the earliest opportunity and thoroughly regrets his actions.”
Sheriff Way told Kovacevic, “One of the concerns is that you are a role model and you have a certain influence over young people. I think performing unpaid work in the community could be used to positively reinforce your status.
“The fact is that you have a certain celebrity and young people look up to you… I think it is appropriate that you carry out unpaid work.”
Sheriff Way also fined him £700 and disqualified him from driving for 14 months.