A MOTORIST from Longtown prosecuted for speeding told magistrates he accelerated with his window wound down 'to get wasps out' of his car.

Darren William Forster, 38, was clocked driving his Ford car at 53mph in a 30mph zone on the A7 at Longtown on April 17, Carlisle’s Rickergate court heard. He appeared before magistrates because they were considering imposing a ban for the offence.

But in court, the defendant, of Netherby Street, Longtown, sought to persuade magistrates that he should not be given a ban.

He began by stating that he feared the court would not believe his explanation but had decided to give his reasons for exceeding the speed limit.

He said: “I was just distracted but I was thinking you wouldn’t believe me. It was wasps in the car so I speeded up a little bit to get them out of the car. I was worried I’d have an allergic reaction to the wasps. 

“I didn’t know whether to tell you or not.”

Magistrates then quizzed the defendant about the potential effects of a driving one on his life and work and he replied: “It would have quite a big impact. I pick up lads to go to work and it would impact my family life.”

He said he was currently working on a building site near to Keswick, typically earning £420 per week; and he was quite certain he would lose his job if he was banned. “It would mess my life up a lot,” he added.

After considering the case, magistrates said they could disqualify Forster or they could impose six points on his licence. Presiding magistrate Keith Southward told the defendant: “I am sure that you would your pefer to keep licence today so you can keep working.

“Therefore, we will place six points on your licence, which means you will have to be extremely careful for the next three years.”

Magistrates also fined Forster £420, with £90 costs and a £42 victim surcharge. They said he could settle his debt to the court at a rate of £20 per week.