Vicar shown mercy over driving ban

A VICAR has dodged a driving ban despite being caught speeding four times – after telling magistrates he needs his car to visit sick parishoners.

Reverend Timothy Mark Edwards, from Carlisle, Cumbria, appeared before magistrates in his home town after admitting driving his Skoda at 36mph in a 30 zone.

The 37-year-old vicar was given three penalty points for the offence, bringing his total to 12. He pleaded with magistrates not to impose an automatic driving ban after claiming his parishioners would suffer if he were to face aban.

John Smith, defending, said that Edwards’ job within the Parish Church of St Kentigern, in Irthington, meant he visited a lot of parishioners.

He said many lived in remote areas, there was no public transport and it was too far to cycle.

After a lengthy discussion magistrates agreed not to ban him. In addition to the points he was fined £144 with court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.