A DRIVER raced away from police at over double the speed limit as he thought he was being followed.

Nathan Callaghan, 29, travelled at 104 miles per hour in Glasgow's M80 northbound on March 17, last year.

The city's Sheriff Court heard that officers were in an unmarked police vehicle when their attention was drawn to Callaghan's black Mercedes.

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Callaghan, of Falkirk, Stirlingshire, was "going in excess" of the 50 miles per hour speed limit.

He continued initially along the M80 at 70 miles per hour.

Officers were unable to pull him over to the hard shoulder due to ongoing roadworks.

Prosecutor Jeremy O'Neill said: "As the van that has been on lane two which was in front of Callaghan moved to lane one, he accelerated quickly.

"Callaghan overtook two HGV vehicles and several cars and was noted to be travelling at 104 miles per hour."

The hard shoulder then became available and Callaghan was eventually pulled over.

Callaghan, a first offender, pleaded guilty today to careless driving.

His lawyer told the court: "Mr Callaghan saw the car which was a black BMW following him and he acted in response to it.

"He was concerned and increased his speed."

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Sheriff Jonathan Guy told the dad-of-one that the circumstances were at the "very upper end" of what was considered careless driving.

Callaghan was fined £210 and disqualified from driving for four months.