Lorry driver escapes ban for 115 MPH on M6 - after arguing he would lose his job

Sean Curtain was clocked in his BMW X5 around 10.30pm on December 15 shortly after getting on the northbound carriageway at junction 15 for Stoke.

Motorway police officers had to reach speeds of 135mph in order to flag him down.

On Wednesday, magistrates in Cannock handed the 33-year-old, from Liverpool, six points on his licence.

The court heard that Curtain, who works for South East Haulage Company, was returning home following days away working.

Bobby Bell, defending, pleaded for the driver to keep his licence.

He said: "Mr Curtain works for a company called south East Haulage in London, he lives in Liverpool and travels down to the depot for four or fives days work.

"He was on his way home from a few days working when this offence happened.

"His partner lives in Liverpool, they have a three-year-old daughter and, as of three weeks ago, had twin sons.

"He was keen to get back to his family and had been held up in traffic so he was in a rush, although he accepts that is not an excuse.

"It was half ten at night, it was an empty road.

"The problem is given his job, if he is disqualified then he can't work and he will lose his job. The fact that he has a young family entirely dependent on his wage is at the forefront of his mind."

Magistrates accepted the argument and imposed six points. But Curtain now remains one offence away from a 'totting up' ban as he already has three points for a previous motoring offence.

He was also made to pay £800 including a £650 fine, £85 in court costs and a £65 victim surcharge.

Mr Bell added: "This was a one-off moment of madness which he and his family have taken very seriously and regret."