A DRIVER named Ferrari has avoided a ban despite totting up 14 points on his licence - after he was caught speeding.

Tony Cataldo Ferrari was clocked at 47mph in a 30mph limit - but claimed exceptional hardship to dodge a six-month ban.

The 50-year-old already had nine penalty points on his licence after he was caught speeding in January 2017.

Neil Hinton, defending, told the court he thought the speed limit on the stretch was 50mph.

Mr Hinton said: "There are no excuses except that he was not aware of the speed limit and he feels he would suffer exceptional hardship if he were to lose his licence today."

He said Ferrari, who runs a groundworks business, relies on his licence to transport his elderly mother around - and a close friend who is a single father.

Ferrari, of Henstridge, pleaded guilty to the charge of speeding at Yeovil Magistrates Court.

Magistrates endorsed his licence with five penalty points and fined him £552. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £55 victim surcharge.