A NEWCASTLE Emlyn taxi driver has escaped a driving ban under the totting up procedure after the court was told he would lose his job and possibly his home.

Peter John Desson, aged 67, of Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn, pleaded guilty under the single justice procedure to speeding on the A487 at Llanfarian on January 23. He was clocked driving his Vauxhall Insignia at 35mph in a 30mph zone at 8.43pm.

He was fined £176, with £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge, along with three penalty points on his licence.

But the bench at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court decided not to ban him under the totting up process. The court heard that if Desson was disqualified, he would lose his income as a taxi driver, would lose his vehicle which was on finance and possibly lose his home.