166mph biker 'seduced by speed'

Purves was jailed for nine months at Peebles Sheriff Court

A biker has been jailed for nine months after being caught doing what is believed to be the fastest speed ever recorded on a Scottish road.

Neil Purves, 27, of Cockburnspath, was detected by police as he travelled at 166mph on a 60mph stretch of the A702 near West Linton in the Borders.

He had admitted a charge of dangerous driving in a previous appearance at Peebles Sheriff Court.

Graham Walker, representing Purves, said he had been "seduced by speed".

In addition to his jail term, Purves has also been disqualified from driving for five years.

Mr Walker told the court: "It is fair to say superbikes have a seductive appeal to them.

"It is fair to say he was seduced by speed."

'Deeply ashamed'

However, Sheriff John Horsburgh said there was no alternative to a jail term.

He said: "The speed at which you were travelling means a custodial sentence is the only option I have."

The court heard that Purves, who has since sold his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 motorbike, covered 0.7 of a mile in just 16 seconds on 13 May this year.

His lawyer said he was "deeply ashamed" of the offence.

Procurator Fiscal Morag McLintock told a previous hearing: "We believe this is the highest speed that the police have ever recorded in Scotland.

"A police speed check was taking place when officers were alerted by a high pitched whine from the motorcycle's engine."

Last year more than 20 motorists were caught travelling at more than 100mph on the Dolphinton stretch of the A702.

It has sparked calls for permanent speed cameras in the area.