A FATHER-of-two who faced the loss of his driving licence after his fifth speeding offence had the ban quashed after arguing exceptional hardship.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Colin Bennett, 40, who drove 60,000 miles a year, currently a mortgage standing at £130,000 and if he lost his licence, his job would go with it.

Bennett, of Ripon Hall, Ramsbottom, appealed against the sentence of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale magistrates.

Judge Raymond Bennett, sitting with two justices, said the case should not be seen as a guide for others in the future, and it was with some hesitation the bench believed his case crossed the threshold of exceptional hardship.

He said the appellant was the sole bread winner in his family, as his wife had given up work to look after their children.

Bennett was ordered to pay a £450 fine and the penalty points imposed by the lower court will stay on his driving licence.

The court heard the appellant had been disqualified for six months under the totting-up procedure.

He had worked with the same company for 10 years, travelling 60,000 miles a year, including to the South of England to specialist computer firms who were customers of his company.

Bennett had four previous convictions for speeding and committed his fifth offence in May.