M5 speed camera catches Mercedes speeding at 68mph in restricted zone

Paul Knight was caught by a speed camera on the M5 between Junction 4a (Bromsgrove) and 6 (Worcester) on March 1 this year. 

The court clerk explained to magistrates that the 60-year-old had been driving the car at 68mph when there was a variable speed limit of 60mph in place at the time. 

The court heard Knight already had 9 points on his driving licence and because the offence would take him to 12 he would be disqualified as a totter. 

Knight then indicated he wanted to argue exception hardship reasons to avoid the ban, taking to the witness box to answer questions. 

Knight said he regularly offered help to elderly patients in Bristol, including with medical appointments and shopping, asking for magistrates to take that into account.

COURT: Paul Knight leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

But Knight did concede his parents were not isolated receiving help from other family members during the rest of the week he did not see them.

After lengthy deliberations, Brent Robinson, chairman of the magistrates bench, said they had found hardship but not exceptional hardship to others. 

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Knight, of Clay Pit Grove, Cheltenham, was given three penalty points and banned from driving for six months. 

He was warned not to drive while disqualified during this period - an offence that carries a custodial sentence. 

Knight was fined £81 and ordered to pay costs of £110 and victim surcharge of £32. 

Knight agreed to pay the total, £223, in full in 28 days.