A security expert with a client list including airports and the MoD escaped a driving ban after Skipton magistrates accepted he would suffer exceptional hardship.

Self-employed Maciej Furga, 32, from Skipton, had earlier admitted by letter to speeding on September 8 on the A65 at Coniston Cold. He had been doing 49mph in the 30mph limit, the court heard on Friday.

But sentencing had been adjourned because magistrates were considering a ban due to the nine points already on his licence, including six for speeding.

On Friday, the court was told Furga’s clients also included security at the London Olympic village and Broadmoor Hospital.

The married father said a driving ban would mean the end of his business as his wife did not drive, earned very little, and the nature of his business would make employing a driver impossible because of safety clearance.

Magistrates fined Furga, of Watsons Houses, £630 and endorsed his licence with three penalty points. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victims surcharge of £63.