A POLITICAL hopeful and charity first aider has been fined after speeding at almost 70mph in a busy route through Colchester.

David Linghorn-Baker, who is also a former Colchester Hospital governor, was clocked at 68mph in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester.

The defendant was behind the wheel of an Audi Q3 when he sped at almost 30mph above the 40mph limit on October 4 last year.

He was snapped by the speed camera stationed at Cowdray Avenue’s junction with Mason Road, Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

Gazette: Dangerous speed - David Linghorn-Baker sped at 68mph in a 40mph limit in Cowdray AvenueDangerous speed - David Linghorn-Baker sped at 68mph in a 40mph limit in Cowdray Avenue (Image: David Linghorn-Baker)

Linghorn-Baker claimed he was “on my way to an urgent call” when he accelerated up to 68mph.

The defendant has ran several unsuccessful campaigns to be elected as a Conservative councillor on Colchester Council.

He told the Gazette: “I deeply regret this isolated incident.”

Linghorn-Baker, who volunteered with St John Ambulance for 18 years, appeared before magistrates on Thursday.

Gazette: Watchful eye - there is a speed camera in Cowdray AvenueWatchful eye - there is a speed camera in Cowdray Avenue (Image: Google)

He admitted speeding and was ordered to pay £755 in a fine, victim surcharge and costs to the court.

Chairman of the bench Ian Andrews also endorsed Linghorn-Baker’s driving record with six points during the hearing.

Speaking to the Gazette, the defendant welcomed the decision, stating: “Justice must be seen to be done by the wider public and act as a future deterrent.

“I fully accept the court’s outcome to my early guilty plea and deeply regret this isolated incident in an unblemished driving history.

Gazette: Hearing - Linghorn-Baker was sentenced at Colchester Magistrates' CourtHearing - Linghorn-Baker was sentenced at Colchester Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

“It was accepted by the court in mitigation that I momentarily passed a car stationary at a green traffic light before returning to normal road speed on my way to an urgent call.”

Linghorn-Baker was among the runners and riders for Colchester Council’s Highwoods seat in May.

He came third with 375 votes, following on from a second place finish to Liberal Democrat David King in Mile End last year.

The defendant also came second during an Essex County Council election in 2021 for the Mile End and Highwoods ward.