A MAN from London has been slapped with a huge court bill after speeding along the A35, a court heard.

Leon Roy Aston Baker, aged 41, of Welbeck Road in Carshalton, was caught speeding 104mph while behind the wheel of a white BMW, travelling on the A35 through Puddletown on August 15 2020, Weymouth Magistrates Court heard.

In court on January 19 last year Baker admitted speeding in a motor vehicle at 104mph on the dual carriageway. The speed limit on A35 Puddletown is 70mph.

The defendant's guilty plea was taken into account when imposing sentence.

Baker's licence has been endorsed with six points. The addition of six more points on Baker's licence meant he could have faced a totting up disqualification. If over a three-year period, you exceed 12 penalty points on your licence you will be facing a totting up disqualification.

However, due to mitigating circumstances (exceptional hardship), the court allowed Baker to keep his licence. The exceptional hardship circumstances included losing his business, home and the fact he has two young children, and an apprentice - who would lose his job.

Baker was fined £692 and must pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £69. He must also pay court costs of £110 - totalling £871.