TV Mark's father in speeding case let-off
The father of tragic TV presenter Mark Speight has been caught speeding for a fourth time in the past year, but has escaped a driving ban.
The Wolverhampton-born TV star, who presented the BBC children's art show SMart, died in 2008, just months after he found his fiancee dead in the bath of their London flat. He grew up in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton.
His father, Oliver Speight, has been allowed to continue driving because he needs his car for the foundation he set up in his son's memory.
The 75-year-old from Staffordshire, who founded Speight of the Art following his son's tragic death, was hit with three penalty points at Sandwell Magistrates' Court yesterday, taking his total up to 12.
He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £80 costs, plus a £20 victim surcharge.
Speight's 2008 Mercedes Benz was flashed doing 38mph on a 30mph stretch of the A34 Birmingham Road in Great Barr on September 16.
He pleaded guilty to speeding but told Sandwell magistrates a qualification would hinder the work of Speight of the Art, which supports children through art.
Speaking after the hearing, Speight said: "I'm absolutely delighted. We are grateful to the court for its consideration.
"Thousands of children have benefitted from our work so far and now thousands more will as a result of this decision."
Speight is the figurehead of the foundation and said his role required him to do a lot of travelling.
Magistrate Mr Terence Wood told him he was "a lucky man".
Mr Wood said: "We are moved as a bench by your actions and commitment to your charity.
"But speeding is a serious offence and the very reason we have speed limits is to protect the children which your charity sets out to help."
The court heard that Speight had three convictions for speeding in the past 12 months.
Mr Wood said: "Our concern is the number of speeding offences in a relatively short space of time. However, we have found exceptional circumstances.
"We feel your foundation would be hampered as a result of your inability to travel. I have to say this argument cannot be used again in the future."
Speight, of The Brampton in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, told the hearing he had already tempered his driving as a result of the latest speeding fine. He said he was recently stopped by the police for going too slow.
