Two young drivers banned after late-night race at Blyth drag strip hotspot
Two men have been banned from driving for 12 months after being caught on CCTV racing their BMWs at a known drag racing hotspot in Blyth.
Nader Zaini, 18, of Cramlington, and Omar Alhamad, 22, of Blyth, were filmed driving at high speed along the A193 near the Mermaid Car Park, performing “a number of laps” while other vehicles were on the road.
Both men admitted taking part in a race on a public road and driving without insurance at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court. Zaini also faced two additional no-insurance charges.
Prosecutor Ruth Forster said police had long been aware of drag racing in the area and tasked an officer to investigate after spotting footage from August 27.
Defence solicitor John Brown said the pair were of previous good character and described it as a moment of “youthful exuberance.”
Magistrates told the pair their behaviour “fell just short of dangerous driving”, and warned that the outcome could have been far worse if a crash had occurred.
Zaini was fined £600, while Alhamad was fined £100, with both ordered to pay costs and victim surcharges.
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