A MOTORIST who jumped a red light avoided a driving ban to protect the jobs of 12 people he employs.

Nicholas Squire, 63, drove through the red light on the A38 at Chritchard Way, with its junction with Wordsworth Drive, in Taunton, on May 11 last year.

The three penalty point he received when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Courts would normally result in a disqualification.

But magistrates heard it could result in "exceptional hardship" for his workforce if his business was affected if he was unable to drive.

It was also claimed he would risk being unable to pay his housing costs, which would impact on his family as well.

Squire, of Brompton Ralph, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was fined £153 and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

CORRIE John Moore, 21, of Parkway, Bridgwater, admitted intentional damaging a Volkswagen Polo car in the town on February 20 this year.

He was ordered to pay the vehicle owner £161 compensation, as well as a £22 victim surcharge and £50 costs.

MICHELLE Clare Husher intentionally caused £320 worth of damage to a Ford Ka in Burnham-on-Sea on June 26 last year.

Husher, 35, of Allison Road, Brislington, who admitted the offence, was ordered to pay £321 compensation

CHRISTOPHER Raymond B. Gentry, 35, of Arlington Close, Yeovil, was in court for speeding at 51mph in a 40mph zone on the M32 on September 11, 2019.

He was fined £40, along with a £32 victim surcharge and received three penalty point after pleading guilty to the offence.