A Land Rover driver who was caught speeding in High Wycombe has escaped serious punishment because she had “no option” but to break the limit to avoid “seriously harming” a cyclist.

Heidi Caple was driving a four-by-four along the A40 West Wycombe Road on December 12, 2018, when she was caught breaking the 30mph speed limit.

The driver, aged 56, was slapped with a £66 fine after pleading guilty to breaking the limit, but escaped more serious punishment when the court heard about her “special reasons” for speeding that day.

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During her sentencing at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, the magistrates felt that Caple, of Winters Way in Holmer Green, “had no option but to speed up” as she was otherwise at risk of causing “serious injury and even death” to a cyclist.

A note attached to the court listing states: “No endorsement. Special reasons: cyclist very close and defendant could only see his helmet.

“Could not reasonably pull over to allow him to pass without causing an accident; risk of serious injury and even death to cyclist giving defendant no option but to speed up to avoid an accident.”

After hearing these reasons, the magistrates opted not to put points on Caple’s licence. She was also required to pay £34 costs.

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