Pensioner fined for doing 70 in a 40 zone

A speedy pensioner from Cumbria has been hit in the pocket after being caught flouting Manx speed limits. 

81-year-old Richard James Smith, of Cockermouth, was caught travelling at 70mph in a 40 zone on April 29th. 

At Douglas Courthouse earlier this week  he admitted the offence via Coroner's Admission. 

The court was told police, who were carrying out speed checks, had pulled his vintage sports car in at Hillberry.  

In mitigation Smith said during his four day trip to the Island he had "religiously observed" speed limits in the 1926 vehicle. 

However he admitted he had become "distracted" due to a problem with the clutch and hadn't slowed down, adding "I am truly sorry for offending the law of the Isle of Man". 

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes fined Smith £300 and ordered him to pay costs of £50 - she also endorsed his driving licence with six penalty points.