manuel
12-09-2004, 03:29 PM
Judge curbs 167-mph motorcyclist: 90 days in jail
Thursday, December 09, 2004
GINNY MacDONALD
News staff writer
One of two motorcyclists accused of racing on Interstate 459 at speeds up to 167 mph was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.
Jefferson County Judge Sheldon Watkins also imposed the maximum fine of $500 against the motorcyclist, William Essex, 44, of Hooper City in Birmingham.
Essex appealed his reckless driving conviction last Thursday to Circuit Court. The case has not been scheduled, and court records do not indicate who is serving as Essex's lawyer.
The other motorcyclist, James Turner, 33, of Center Point, also was charged with reckless driving. Turner is due in Watkins' court Jan. 24.
State trooper Chris Haynes stopped the two motorcyclists Aug. 14 just after midnight on I-459 near U.S. 280.
Essex was traveling 167 mph and Turner 165, according to state troopers.
Troopers have ticketed Essex with speeding or reckless driving five times since 1990. According to court records, Essex was ticketed:
For speeding in a construction zone, Aug. 31, 2002, in Calhoun County. He pleaded guilty.
For speeding in Talladega County, May 2, 2001. He was convicted and paid $119 in fines and court costs.
For speeding, 25 mph over the limit, in Jefferson County, Dec. 28, 1995. He was fined $113 including court costs.
For aggravated speeding in Cullman County, Dec. 15, 1992. He was found guilty and fined $30 and assessed $82 in court costs.
For reckless driving in Jefferson County, July 9, 1990. He pleaded guilty and paid a fine.
E-mail: gmacdonald@bhamnews.com
Thursday, December 09, 2004
GINNY MacDONALD
News staff writer
One of two motorcyclists accused of racing on Interstate 459 at speeds up to 167 mph was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.
Jefferson County Judge Sheldon Watkins also imposed the maximum fine of $500 against the motorcyclist, William Essex, 44, of Hooper City in Birmingham.
Essex appealed his reckless driving conviction last Thursday to Circuit Court. The case has not been scheduled, and court records do not indicate who is serving as Essex's lawyer.
The other motorcyclist, James Turner, 33, of Center Point, also was charged with reckless driving. Turner is due in Watkins' court Jan. 24.
State trooper Chris Haynes stopped the two motorcyclists Aug. 14 just after midnight on I-459 near U.S. 280.
Essex was traveling 167 mph and Turner 165, according to state troopers.
Troopers have ticketed Essex with speeding or reckless driving five times since 1990. According to court records, Essex was ticketed:
For speeding in a construction zone, Aug. 31, 2002, in Calhoun County. He pleaded guilty.
For speeding in Talladega County, May 2, 2001. He was convicted and paid $119 in fines and court costs.
For speeding, 25 mph over the limit, in Jefferson County, Dec. 28, 1995. He was fined $113 including court costs.
For aggravated speeding in Cullman County, Dec. 15, 1992. He was found guilty and fined $30 and assessed $82 in court costs.
For reckless driving in Jefferson County, July 9, 1990. He pleaded guilty and paid a fine.
E-mail: gmacdonald@bhamnews.com