[A] PROFESSIONAL rugby union player has won his appeal against a driving ban imposed for speeding in Cumbria.
Christopher Auld, 24, was caught travelling at 54mph in a 40mph zone on the A66 westbound at Kirkby Thore last December.
Auld received a six-month disqualification from magistrates in July, having reached the 12-point penalty “totting-up” mark. He had previous convictions on his record for speeding and mobile phone use behind the wheel.
His appeal against the ban was heard at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
Judge Barbara Forrester, sitting with two magistrates, heard Auld, of St Cuthbert’s Avenue, Dumfries, was a professional player for National 1 side Darlington Mowden Park.
The court heard Auld’s rugby career – and his business and finance degree course at the University of Newcastle – would be at risk if the driving ban remained in force.
After concluding that Auld’s “whole lifestyle” would change, Judge Forrester overturned the disqualification.
But the judge warned: “I am sure he will have realised quite clearly now the seriousness of the position he has been in, and if he continues committing road traffic offences at some stage he will lose his driving licence.”
