A MOTORIST from North Yorkshire has been banned from driving for one year after he was caught on camera driving without using his hands.

Richard Newton, 36, was found guilty at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court today, of dangerous driving, after a North Yorkshire Police mobile safety camera captured footage of him driving at about 60mph with both hands on his head.

Newton was driving on the A171 close to Scaling Dam reservoir at about 6.20pm on Friday, August 9, 2013, when officers saw him drive with his hands on his head for about 25 seconds, while traffic passed him in the opposite lane.

Dave Brown who heads North Yorkshire Police’s Mobile Safety Camera Team, said: “This case demonstrates two things, one is the sheer stupidity of some people who put others in danger, and the other is the ability of our safety camera to capture a range of offences.

“This is yet another case which shows that these cameras are about safety and not just speeding. We will take action against all manner of offences to ensure we keep our roads as safe as possible for everyone.”

Newton, of Abbots Road, Whitby, was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community, fined £625 and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.