SALESMAN Paul Collin escaped a driving ban for speeding at 101mph because he was desperate to find a toilet after eating a "dodgy" curry.

Collin, 29, from Banbury, told magistrates he put his foot down when driving along the A11 near Thetford, Norfolk, after feeling the effects of the spicy chicken meal served up by his wife the night before.

Yesterday he admitted driving his Vauxhall Vectra at 101mph along the 70mph limit road and was handed a £220 fine with £45 costs and six penalty points by Thetford magistrates. The offence could have left him with a two-month driving ban.

Collin told the court he was on his way to a business meeting but felt unwell soon after leaving home. When he was pulled over by police in an unmarked car, he told them his unfortunate story and officers rang his home to check. The phone was answered by his wife, Heather, 26, who was in bed after also feeling unwell from the curry.

Collin said: "I kept seeing signs for toilets flashing by on the other side of the road but I could not stop because it was a dual carriageway. I was so desperate that I was not looking at my speedo."

" told the police about my plight hoping they might let me off but they still booked me."

He said officers then directed him to the nearest toilet.

Speaking after the case, Sgt Jack Askew of Norfolk police, said: "We dealt with this gentleman quickly and sympathetically because he was in some discomfort. But the fact that he had an upset stomach is no excuse for speeding. There can never be any reason for doing more than 100mph."

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