YouTuber caught speeding on ‘deadly’ roads after posting video on Facebook
A motoring journalist has pleaded guilty to speeding after being caught driving at speeds of up to 100mph on one of the UK's most dangerous roads.
Joe Achilles, 40, was hauled before a court after he filmed himself in a super car reaching the top speeds on roads in the Peak District before uploading the footage to Facebook .
He recorded his high-speed journey in a £100,000 Audi R8 along the single-lane Snake Pass in the Derbyshire area of the district.
The London-based journalist then uploaded the video online where it was spotted by officers from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit.
Achilles, who has 57,000 subscribers on Youtube, describes himself as a "non click bait" motoring YouTuber who is known as "Mr BMW."
Detectives were able to use state of the art technology to prove Achilles was speeding as he drove the high-powered sports car in the face of oncoming traffic on November 3.
In total 11 average speeds were calculated as the car was driven towards Sheffield. Not one was within the 50mph limit.
Officers found the slowest he was travelling was 58mph with the the fastest being a reckless 93mph along the scenic road which is a notorious accident black-spot.
Achilles, of Uxbridge, was summonsed to Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to speeding.
He was slapped with a fine of £615, ordered to pay costs of £620 and his licence endorsed with six points.
Sergeant Adam Shipley described Achilles' attempt to get views on social media as "pathetic" after the case.
He said: “This type of driving is careless, reckless and selfish.
“On this occasion, thankfully nobody died, but all too often the outcome [is] very different.
“For a man who drives for a profession I am appalled that he seemingly has so little value for the lives of other road users.
“The roads of the UK are not race tracks and should not be used as such.
“Strapping a Go Pro to the side of a car and driving in this manner – all in a bid to get viewers on social media – is quite frankly pathetic.
“I hope this case sends a message to others like Joe Achilles who think they can come to our county and put lives at risk.
“We may not see you at the time but know that we have the capability to ensure that you are brought to justice.”
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