A DRIVER caught speeding has avoided a ban because his employees and elderly mum ‘would suffer’.

Jamie Kerner, of Knutsford Road, Alderley Edge, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates Court on April 25 to exceeding a 50mph speed limit on July 8, last year.

The 52-year-old was caught driving a Volkswagen at 60mph by a speed camera on the M60 in Stockport, the court heard.

The court was told: “The defendant is of good character.

“Exceptional hardship is requested due to employees.

“He travels six days a week and has checked public transport and it would mean travelling four hours extra.

“He is the owner, manager and salesman. The defendant has visited seven different customers in the last week or two.

“There are five employees and they are dependant on him.

“The business would suffer, his business employees and his elderly mother who is dependant upon him.”

Magistrates decided not to impose a totting disqualification after listening to these mitigating circumstances.

The defendant’s guilty plea was taken into account when the sentence was imposed and he was given one third credit for admitting the offence on the first hearing.

Kerner was fined £256 and ordered to pay £90 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

His driving licence was endorsed with three points.

The defendant was given time to pay the £380 court penalty at a rate of £100 per month, starting on May 23.