Judge says 190km/h driving 'just absurd'

Raven Dallas Walters, 22, a labourer, appeared in Masterton District Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to driving at a dangerous speed.

A judge has described the actions of a Martinborough man who drove at almost 200km/h as "ludicrous".

Raven Dallas Walters, 22, a labourer, appeared in Masterton District Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to driving at a dangerous speed.

Walters was stopped by police after a patrol observed him driving at 190km/h on SH53 between Kahutara Rd and Phillips Line, in South Wairarapa.

When questioned by police Walters said he was "just giving it to it".

Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said Walters had since received a written warning at work for his actions.

"He has almost lost his job as a result.

"He's very remorseful," Ms Pearson said.

Judge Peter Hobbs said Walters' driving was "just absurd".

"I can't comprehend why anyone would think it's appropriate, or necessary, to drive ... at 190km/h on a public road.

"The danger to you and other people is significant.

"I am tempted to just throw the book at you because I just regard it as so ludicrous to drive at that speed."

Judge Hobbs gave Walters credit for his early guilty plea, for having no previous convictions for dangerous driving and said he had already suffered some consequences at work.

"I just hope you understand that to drive at that speed is, as I have said, ludicrous ... if you killed somebody you would have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life."

He sentenced him to 80 hours' community work and disqualified him from driving for six months.