Salesman clocked over 100mph escapes driving ban (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Salesman clocked over 100mph escapes driving ban

1:59pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

A SALESMAN who was recorded driving at speeds of more than 100mph on a dual carriageway has escaped a ban.

Michael Lemmon, 31, of Fulthorpe Road, in Stockton, admitted a charge of speeding when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates’ Court.

Jonathan Bambro, prosecuting, told the court that a police officer was driving an unmarked car at 12.20pm on July 30 on the A66 bypass, in Darlington, when he was overtaken by a BMW 330 convertible.

The officer followed the BMW and was able to monitor its speed for more than two miles, with an average speed of 104mph. The maximum speed officially measured was 120mph.

Lemmon, who represented himself in court, apologised for his actions and said there had been no excuse for his speed.

He added: “I was driving the way I was because I was frustrated at having to go and pick up my car after a night out and I was late for a meeting. I’ve since got rid of the car and tried to change my driving style.

“My licence is fundamental to my job, I’m on the road constantly as a salesman.”

Magistrates allowed Lemmon to stay on the road by adding five points to his licence, avoiding an automatic ban under the totting up procedure. He was fined £825 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and an £82 victim surcharge.