Plumber caught speeding fourth time in Ford Transit on A449 avoids ban

Lee Garratt had reached 12 points on his licence making him a 'totter' and facing a six-month ban. 

At the start of the hearing on Friday, (February 10), the court clerk told magistrates Garratt had already admitted and been punished for his latest offence of speeding. 

The court heard at 9.54am on May 17 last year Garratt drove a Ford Transit on the A449 southbound between Crossway Green and Ombersley at a speed of 57mph in a 50mph zone.

COURT: Lee Garratt argued against being given a driving ban (Image: Facebook)

Garratt, who defended himself, entered the witness box and told magistrates he had been speeding that morning because he was late for work. 

The court clerk said: "You were late so you put your foot down a little bit?"

"Yes," Garratt replied.

Garratt explained he was a self-employed plumber carrying out jobs across the country from Liverpool to London. 

VAN: A Ford Transit similar to the van Garratt drove when he was speeding

"My business is solely me," Garratt told magistrates. 

"I don't know anything else apart from plumbing.

"Without my van, I won't be able to work."

The dad-of-one said at the time of the speeding offence he had suffered from mental health issues and was now separated from his wife. 

CASE: Lee Garratt appeared at Worcester Magistrate Court

Garratt explained his income was being used to rent a place for him and contribute to the bills and mortgage of the marital home his wife and daughter lived at.

When asked if they would lose the marital home, Garratt replied: "Yes, without me contributing".

Magistrates deliberated for more than 20 minutes before returning to the courtroom. 

Roger Warrington, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: "We have listened carefully about your situation.

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"We have had a much longer discussion than we would normally have.

"In view of your mental health and anxiety and the hardship (to Garratt's wife) and inability to pay household expenses (if Garratt lost his job) we do find exceptional hardship.

"You are not going to be able to use these reasons again. 

"You have got to stay within the speed limit - you should have been before."

Garratt, of Crane Hollow, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, was fined £120 and also ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge and costs of £90.