Ford driver caught speeding on A4104 and A449 escapes ban

Paul Hallen, of Allesborough Drive, Pershore, managed to persuade magistrates there were exceptional hardship reasons which meant he should not be disqualified from driving. 

The court heard the 56-year-old committed the first offence on December 7, 2022, when he drove a Ford at a speed above the 40mph limit on A4104 Main Street, Defford. 

Magistrates heard Hallen also exceeded the 50mph speed limit in a Ford on the A449 northbound, between Ombersley and Crossway Green, on February 22 this year. 

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

Hallen also failed to give information related to the identification of a driver/rider of a vehicle. 

That offence took place on March 29 this year - Hallen failing to give information on the driver of a Ford alleged to have been guilty of an offence. 

With the inevitable points for the offences, Hallen was at risk of his losing this licence. 

MOST READ: Parking ticket chaos as shoppers and traders blast new rules and £60 fines

The court clerk explained the defendant had previously avoided a ban in the past three years through arguing exceptional hardship reasons. 

Under the law that meant Hallen could not argue the same reasons but he told the court fresh information about his circumstances. 

In the witness box the defendant explained he was now separated from his wife but she was suffering illness, and he was the one tasked with driving her to weekly appointments.

He added he also needed the car to see his children.

CASE: Paul Hallen's case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Susan Dowty, chairperson of the magistrates bench, said the points they were adding would take the points on Hallen's licence to 15.

This put him above the limit of 12 points. 

Explaining to Hallen he wouldn't be banned, she said: "It was a very hard decision to make.

"We do feel the exceptional hardship argument is made out in this case.

"If you do anything, bald tyre, no MOT, you will be disqualified for six months. There won't be anything a future bench could do."

Hallen was fined £332 and told to pay costs of £110 and victim surcharge of £133. 

An offer to pay the total, £575, at a rate of £50 a month was accepted by the magistrates. 

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (November 2).