A SPEEDING lorry driver has been disqualified from getting behind the wheel by magistrates after failing to convince them of having exceptional hardship reasons.
Father-of-four Scott Woolfenden appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Wednesday, (October 19), for his latest offence of speeding.
Azra Hussain, prosecuting, said at 1.30am on October 2 last year the 41-year-old had been driving a Mercedes lorry on the M5 northbound between Junction 5 and 4a.
"It was a speed of 46mph when he should have been driving at 40mph," the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor explained the matter had already been proved in his absence with the case being heard in court as Woolfenden had totted up 12 points - after being caught speeding twice before - meaning he was now facing a ban.
Woolfenden, who represented himself, took to the witness box telling magistrates: "I could get a minimum wage job.
"The money I'd get for that is nothing like the money I'm earning now.
"If I lose my job I have no other skills.
"We have four children, we have a people carrier with six seats.
"My wife won't drive it she is intimidated by the sight of it."
Woolfenden, of Ombersley Street West, Droitwich, told magistrates he had also not told his employer, Tools Transport in Cutnall Green, about the hearing.
Woolfenden was also questioned further about his finances with him explaining he additionally earned around £200 a month from gigs as a pianist and trumpet player.
Azra Hussain, prosecuting, said: "We are not talking about merely being inconvenienced - you are not going to experience exceptional hardship.
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"You can get another job, you can get another job in the company.
"You haven't told your employer about this hearing today."
Magistrates left the courtroom to deliberate for 20 minutes and after returning Woolfenden, who has appeared in the Worcester News over the years in his role with the Worcester Male Voice Choir, was asked to stand.
Martin Soble, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "We have listened carefully, we do not find you have exceptional hardship.
"You are going to be disqualified from driving for six months."
Mr Soble warned Woolfenden if he drove during the disqualification period he could be sent to custody.
Woolfenden was fined £207 and told to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £34.
Magistrates agreed he could pay the total, £376, at a rate of £60 a month.
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