A MAN who was banned from driving after speeding on the A55 in Colwyn Bay has had his disqualification revoked.
Mark Smith, 55, of Hewlett Road, Manchester was caught driving a Volkswagen vehicle at 59mph on January 30, on a stretch of the road where the speed limit was 50mph.
At that time, he had nine penalty points on his driving licence in relation to three previous speeding offences.
He admitted this offence at Mold Magistrates’ Court on September 23, and was handed three more points – triggering the automatic six-month qualification as a result of accruing 12 points.
But at Mold Crown Court today (November 1), Smith won an appeal against this part of his sentence.
In appealing his disqualification, Smith submitted three letters, written by associates of his, to the court, outlining the “exceptional hardship to those independent of his misconduct” that his driving ban causes.
These letters were not read out in court, but had been read by Judge Niclas Parry, who presided over the appeal.
The three penalty points Smith had received in September were removed.
Judge Parry, sitting with magistrates told Smith: “We have no doubt that, while the driving disqualification is meant to cause you hardship, it’s not meant to cause exceptional hardship to others who are reliant on you.
“The appeal is allowed.
“If you come back with 12 points in the next three years, I’m afraid this won’t help you. You need to be extra careful.”
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