The North Wales Chronicle reported that Irshad Ahmed was banned from driving for six months at Wrexham Magistrates' Court on Friday afternoon. The 76-year-old, of Colchester Place in Heaton Norris, Stockport, had been clocked at 91mph in a 70mph limit on the A55 at Gaerwen. Taxi driver clocked at 91mph on A55 at Gaerwen loses licence
The plea
Ahmed had denied exceeding the limit. His reason was that an unwell passenger needed a toilet. Prosecutor Brian Robinson let him watch police bodycam footage of the stop, and he then pleaded guilty. He had not mentioned an unwell passenger to the officers. His only words to them were that he was "taking the passenger to the ferry port."
The ban
Nine penalty points were already on his licence, so he risked an immediate ban under totting up, which applies at 12 points or more. He asked the magistrates to find exceptional hardship and let him keep his licence.
Ahmed told the court he had just bought a car and had worked as a taxi driver for several decades. He does not provide care for anyone else. He is fit and well, and he does not need to drive to regular medical appointments. He has bills, including support for his partner and a grandchild, and he wanted to keep driving because he "likes to remain active."
The magistrates imposed four penalty points and found he had not met the high bar for exceptional hardship. They banned him for six months with immediate effect. He must also pay a £466 fine, £130 costs and a £186 victim surcharge.
After court
Ahmed said: "I'm disappointed really. It's going to be very hard for me."