A MOTORIST who admitted speeding and lighting a cigarette while an unrestrained child stood in the passenger seat has been banned from driving and fined.

John Naisbitt, 66, of Devon Street, Hetton-le-Hole, admitted driving at 70mph in a 60mph zone, and carrying a passenger in a manner likely to cause danger, and was sentenced at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

North Yorkshire Police’s mobile safety camera caught Naisbitt speeding at 9.01am on April 27, on the A59 at Menwith Hill, while the child was either standing or kneeling on the front passenger seat.

Dave Brown, mobile safety camera manager, said: "I hope the outcome of this case serves as a wake-up call to anyone who disregards the importance of keeping safe on the roads.

"The mobile safety cameras are capable of far more than detecting speeding offences and this case should send a clear message that we can and do use them to help detect and deter such dangerous acts. Mr Naisbitt should consider himself lucky not to be facing more serious charges. His disregard for the safety of his young passenger could have ended in tragedy."

Naisbitt was banned from driving for six months, given three penalty points and fined £115.