A Canadian bull semen expert has avoided a driving disqualification, after the court accepted it would cause exceptional hardship.
Exeter Magistrates heard that David Hawkins, 65, of Littletown Road, Honiton, Devon, was clocked at 80 mph on the A30 dual carriageway near Tedburn St Mary in December 2023. The road was subject to a 70 mph speed limit.
Hawkins already had nine penalty points on his licence, arising from three earlier speeding offences. The three further penalty points arising from this latest offence would ordinarily result in a disqualification under the totting up rule.
However, Magistrates heard that the (unique) nature of his job was such that he would be unable to carry the tools of the trade on public transport. It would also be a struggle to visit clients at their rural locations. This would result in a downturn in work, which would place the jobs of his employees at risk.
Magistrates were of the view that Hawkins' disqualification would result in exceptional hardship.
That being the case they endorsed his licence with 3 penalty points taking the total to 15 points, but allowed him to remain on the road.
He was also fined for the offence.
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