A DRIVER has been spared a road ban because of the impact on his family, a court heard.

Darren Anthony Hatchett, 55, of Shepherds Field, Martyr Worthy, near Winchester, was caught speeding in a 60-reg Kia on Marine Parade in Brighton on April 24 last year. The exact speed over 30mph was not stated on the court record. The case was proved under the single justice procedure.

The offence put Hatchett over the points limit but there was no totting-up disqualification because of mitigating factors: the loss of his job as a HGV driver; the impact on the care he provides for his mother; the impact on the care his partner, who does not drive, provides for elderly friends in Winchester; the loss of his home; and the impact on his partner and her medical condition.

Magistrates in Brighton fined him £366 with a £37 victim surcharge and costs of £110. The penalty will be paid at the rate of £100 a month starting on May 2.