A MAN has narrowly avoided a driving ban after magistrates accepted he had “exceptional circumstances.”

Wahid Bik’s case was proved through the single justice procedure with the 41-year-old appearing at Worcester Magistrates Court on April 14.

Bik, of Walsgrave Drive, was found to have failed to have given information to police in Droitwich on August 18 last year by failing to provide the identity of a driver of a Peugeot who was alleged to be guilty of an offence - an offence under the Road Traffic Act.

Magistrates gave Bik six penalty points, taking him past the 12 points which is the threshold that leads to a disqualification of at least six months.

However, magistrates heard the loss of his licence would cause exceptional hardship to his family as he would be unable to get to work causing financial hardship to his wife and children and he would also lose his ability to support his elderly parents and children who rely upon him to transport them around, as his wife is unable to drive.

After deliberation, magistrates imposed a 'no totting' driving ban - where his points are not 'totted' up.

Bik was fined £150 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32, and costs of £90. He was given until May 17 to pay the total of £272.

Meanwhile Haydyn James was banned from driving after an offence of speeding was also proved through the single justice procedure.

Appearing at the court on the same day magistrates heard James, of Waterloo Close, Madresfield, Malvern, was caught driving at a speed above 30mph in Jennet Tree Lane, Madresfield, on August 30 last year.

The 18-year-old was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 21 days.

James was fined £275 and ordered to pay costs of £110 and a victim surcharge of £34.

The total, £419, is to be paid at a rate of £105 per month.