A Ramsbottom man caught speeding in Rochdale asked to see the police laser-scope which had recorded his excess speed, a court heard.

Ian Nigel Cole (43), of Fir Street, did not attend court to answer a summons for speeding and the magistrates at Rochdale found the case proved in his absence.

They fined him £220 with £43 court costs and added five penalty points to his licence.

Miss Claire Byers, prosecuting, said Cole had driven his Mercedes at 50mph in a 30mph zone while police were carrying out speed checks in the area.

When he was stopped and told what his speed was he replied:"OK, let's see the device which shows the speed."

He made no further comment when told he would be reported.