A MOTORIST has been spared a driving ban for speeding in Powys.

Geoffrey Ashton, 61, appeared before Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 19, where he successfully put forward a special reasons argument as to why he should not be banned.

Ashton, of Round Meadow, Wem, was recorded driving at a speed of 62 miles per hour on the A483 Welshpool bypass on the morning of March 20 this year, in a Mercedes van. The bypass’ speed limit is 50mph.

He already had nine points on his licence and a speeding offence would have made him liable to receive another three – ordinarily resulting in a six-month ban.

But after mitigation was put forward by the defendant, magistrates found his special reasons argument was proved, and he escaped with a £390 fine.

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The court was told that Ashton had already entered a guilty plea to the charge by post, but requested a court hearing to put forward an exceptional hardship argument.

The court was told Ashton’s nine points were made up of a previous speeding fine and a careless driving conviction, for which he received 6 points.

Representing himself, Ashton told magistrates how he covers a large area while working as a utilities engineer, including Chester and Wrexham, Mid Wales, Aberystwyth and Anglesey.

He said: “By and large I work on my own. My employers are not aware of today’s proceedings; I will tell them if I get points.

“If I do I would lose my job.

“My mother, 80, and aunty, 84, are both struggling severely with their health.

“I live in rented accommodation and if I lost my licence, it would affect my living arrangements quite drastically."

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Magistrates were persuaded by Ashton's role caring for his young grandson.

Magistrates put three points on Ashton’s licence but spared him a ban.

He was fined £200 with £110 costs and an £80 surcharge.