Senior detective speaks out after Land Rover driver avoids ban

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox, head of crime and intelligence in Lincolnshire and national lead for fatal collision investigation reporting to National Police Chiefs' Council, spoke out on the case of James Cronin. 

The 34-year-old managed to persuade Worcester magistrates there were exceptional hardship reasons which meant he should not be disqualified from driving. 

As we previously reported Cronin, of Elgar Court, Martin Hussingtree, near Droitwich, reached 12 penalty points, making him a 'totter' and facing a six-month ban.

CASE: James Cronin avoided a speeding ban (Image: From public)

That was reached after his latest speeding offence in a Land Rover on the A449 southbound between Crossway Green and Ombersley, on May 18 last year.

The court heard Cronin was relied on to take his pregnant wife to appointments, as well as his mother for her cancer treatment.

When the case was heard on January 27, chairman of the bench Simon Egerton announced they had found exceptional hardship due to the impact a ban would have on Cronin's family. 

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Sharing our story on Twitter, Det Supt Cox said: "Speeding kills, creating ‘exceptional hardship’ for bereaved families.

SPOKEN OUT: Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox (Image: Twitter)

"So let’s prioritise support for crash victims and safe lawful travel.

"The alternative simply excuses a habitual lawbreaker, who has had ample opportunity to reflect, learn and change."

Speeding kills, creating ‘exceptional hardship’ for bereaved families. So let’s prioritise support for crash victims and safe lawful travel. The alternative simply excuses an habitual lawbreaker, who has had ample opportunity to reflect, learn and change.https://t.co/odMIg0YkWr

— Andy Cox (@AndyCoxDCS) January 29, 2023

At the end of the case at Worcester Magistrates Court the chairman warned Cronin if he was caught speeding again he would not be able to rely on the same reasons to avoid a ban.

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"I would advise you to be very mindful of your speed from now on," the chairman added. 

Cronin is director of Birmingham-based The Jarell Group, one of UK's largest recruitment companies.