A LAND Rover driver who was caught driving through a village at 76mph has avoided a driving ban.
Soran Mohammed-Ali appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday (October 28) to be sentenced for speeding.
Mohammed-Ali, of Maesglas Avenue, Newport, Gwent, was caught by a manned speed camera reaching 76mph on a 50mph stretch of the A40 in Pencraig, Herefordshire, on August 31, 2025.
The 43-year-old’s defence, Mr James, told the court that Mohammed-Ali was travelling to Birmingham when he had to rush back to Newport because of an emergency at his business.
The court heard that the speed limit of the A40 is 70mph either side of Pencraig, where it drops to 50mph, and that Mohammed-Ali had been focused on getting back to Newport and did not realise he was speeding.
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While the A40 is a dual carriageway through Pencraig, several junctions, some of which have obstructed views, come on to the road.
Because Mohammed-Ali was so far above the posted speed limit, he faced an instant disqualification if the magistrates chose to give him one.
The dual carriageway runs directly through the village of Pencraig, with many homes only having access directly from the A40 (Image: Google Maps)
M James said: “He is not a man who flirts with the speed limit. The reality is he was in a situation where he had to get back to Newport very quickly.
“The loss of his licence would have a very big impact, and he has committed no offences since.”
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Wendy Taylor, chair of the bench, said: “We are pleased that you have a clean licence, and we do understand that the situation would have been very concerning.
“We ae not going to disqualify you.”
Mohammed-Ali was handed six penalty points on his licence and was ordered to pay a £461 fine.
