Monty's drive costs him £835

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 23:20

GOLFER Colin Montgomerie was yesterday fined £835 for speeding, but avoided losing his licence.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Dunning, Perthshire, admitted driving at 70mph in a 40mph zone. He was caught speeding in his silver Bentley on the A3 in London on 30 March.

At Feltham Magistrates' Court in London yesterday, Suqi Smith, prosecuting, said Montgomerie told police: "I did not realise I was going that fast; this car is too quick."

The court heard he had been offered a fixed penalty but had failed to pay because of work commitments abroad and planning his wedding.

Jagpreet Tucker, the chairman of the magistrates, told the golfer: "This court does take speeding seriously and we hope we don't see you again."

He was fined 750 plus 85 costs.

It is the third time he has been involved in court proceedings for allegedly driving too fast. Last year, he was accused of doing 88mph on the M80 near Falkirk, but the case was dismissed when he was not served with court papers. In 2004, he was accused of travelling at 96mph, again on the A3, but the case collapsed when a policeman failed to attend court.

The golfer was also given three points on his driving licence in 2006 for speeding.

Montgomerie's lawyer, Nick Freeman, who is known as "Mr Loophole" for the number of clients he has helped to avoid traffic fines, said after yesterday's hearing:

"We are considering our position – we have 21 days to decide."