A SPEEDING dad who broke the speed limit on the A12 on three separate occasions has been spared a driving ban because it would cost him his job, a court has heard.

Terry Willox, of Colchester Main Road, Alresford, had been caught speeding in his BMW three times in the space of five months between December 2022 and April 2023.

The first offence took place on Thursday, December 2022 when he was caught driving at 57mph in a 50mph zone at 2.32am.

Several months later, the 39-year-old broke the 40mph speed limit in Margaretting on Tuesday, April 25.

Gazette: Reliant – Willox's solicitor argued he would be unable to support his ex-partner with child maintenance payments were he to lose his driving licence and his jobReliant – Willox's solicitor argued he would be unable to support his ex-partner with child maintenance payments were he to lose his driving licence and his job (Image: Public)

Four days after that, Willox committed his third offence when he again broke the 40mph speed limit, this time near Ingatestone.

At Colchester Magistrates' Court earlier this month, Willox admitted each driving offence, but his solicitor, Mr Chauhan, successfully argued the revoking of Willox’s licence – which would automatically result in him losing his job – would cause his family financial hardship.

It was argued that if Willox were to lose his licence, he would then be unable to contribute to mortgage repayments, which would then have a knock-on effect on his partner.

Mr Chauhan also argued Willox’s loss of income would result in him struggling to pay child maintenance to his ex-partner, and support his daughter, whom he takes to extra-curricular clubs after school.

Gazette: Speeding – speed limits of 40mph and 50mph have been put in place on the A12 whilst road reconstruction works take placeSpeeding – speed limits of 40mph and 50mph have been put in place on the A12 whilst road reconstruction works take place (Image: Newsquest)

The final argument Mr Chauhan put forward was that the loss of Willox’s licence and source of income would prevent him from supporting his son and mother-in-law, as well as his former partner who pays rent using maintenance payments she receives from Willox.

Instead of having his licence revoked, Willox was handed a series of fines by magistrates.

The offence relating to driving 57mph in a 50mph zone in December last year resulted in a £192 fine.

Willox was ordered to pay a further £302 for his first speeding offence in April, and then another £192 for his second speeding offence that month.

In total, Willox was docked £686, and nine penalty points were added to Willox’s licence for the offences.