A SPEEDING motorist has avoided a driving ban - because of his job.

Magistrates told Manraj Singh Punni, 48, of Alcombe Road, Minehead, he could keep his licence because he's a pharmacist.

They said: "The local community would be adversely affected by your inability to work if you were to lose your licence."

Punni was caught driving at 52mph in a 30mph zone on the A358 at Henlade on December 18 2020.

He was handed six penalty points this week after admitting the offence at Taunton Magistrates' Court, which took him over the limit for a ban under the totting up scheme.

Instead he was fined £1,166 with a £34 victim surcharge and £90 costs.