Speedy driver is spared from driving ban

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, March 31, how Simon Martel, 41, of Leche Croft, Belper, was spotted speeding on the A610 Nottingham Road.

Prosecuting solicitor Angela Hadfield said: “A Ford vehicle caused a camera to be activated on the A610 at Codnor where the speed limit is 30mph and the speed recorded was 40mph.”

Defence solicitor Philip Bloor explained Martel has a previous speeding matter and he urged the court to find exceptional hardship and not disqualify him because if he lost his licence he would be unable to work.

Mr Bloor said: “He is married with a five-year-old daughter and his wife works three to five days a week as a supply teacher and my client is self-employed as an engineer-conveyancer in the construction industry.”

He added: “He’s on a reasonable income but his lifestyle is commensurate with the income and the family would struggle and couldn’t manage on his wife’s wages.”

The court heard how Martel, who admitted the speeding offence, has to travel around the Midlands with large work equipment and is sometimes away for several days and is dependent on being able to drive.

Mr Martel said: “I would struggle financially without my income and there is no way I could work without my licence.”

District Judge Andrew Davison agreed not to impose a driving disqualification - despite Martel having accumulated points on his licence - on the grounds he would suffer exceptional hardship. But he was fined £300, ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £35 costs and had his licence endorsed with three points.