A LORRY driver accused of speeding on the M5 says his firm nominated him but he is confident he wasn't driving at the time as he wouldn't risk losing his licence.
Russell Robinson appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court and denied two speeding offences and two offences of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver/rider of a vehicle when required.
The 43-year-old told the court he had no choice but to enter not guilty pleas at this stage because he needed time to establish if he was the driver at the time.
The first Robinson heard of the offence was when he was pulled over by police and told he was disqualified.
It emerged Robinson had previously been found guilty, through the single justice procedure, of the offences with magistrates issuing the disqualification.
At the start of the hearing Robinson made a statutory declaration to say he was unaware of the offences, leading to them being quashed before entering the not guilty pleas when the charges were put to him.
Robinson is accused of driving a Volkswagen on the M5 northbound, between Junction 6 (Worcester) and 5 (Droitwich Spa) in a variable speed limit zone, at a speed above 50mph on August 15, 2022.
The defendant is also accused of the same offence on September 1, 2022.
And Robinson is accused of failing to provide information on the identity of a driver on December 26, 2022, and December 28, 2022.
Robinson said: "I have a problem with my mail, I didn't receive any of the notices."
The defendant added he was unlikely to have been the driver as he relies on having his licence for his job and "wouldn't jeopardise it".
The case was adjourned until March 6 for a further case management hearing, giving time for Robinson, of Sacombe Pound, Ware in Hertfordshire, to seek legal advice and to make enquiries.
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