A DOCTOR who was caught speeding nearly 30mph over the limit has been banned from driving for 28 days.

Robert Krick, of Netherwood Lane, Crowle, near Worcester, had tried to argue that a disqualification would bring his patients and his family “exceptional hardship” but magistrates were told it was his third speeding offence.

Krick is one of two GPs working at The Glebeland Surgery in Belbroughton, near Stourbridge, which has more than 4,000 patients on its books.

He has worked there for the last 20 years.

On Wednesday, May 5, the 45-year-old was clocked doing 79mph in a 50mph zone on the A449 in Hartlebury near Stourport. He was driving a powerful Audi RS4 sports car.

Prior to the conviction he already had six points on his licence for two speeding offences.

He appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court to present an exceptional hardship argument for why he shouldn’t be disqualified.

Brian O’Connell, defending, said Krick was required to attend to emergency call outs and he was aware of the background and family history to his patients.

He said: “The hardship is to the practice as a whole and the patients in that area. He was in rush to get to work because he didn’t want to keep patients waiting so he put his foot down.”

Krick told the court that his partner is 30 weeks pregnant and struggling with back and pelvis problems which make driving very painful for her. They also have another young child.

He said: “If I’m off the road for six months I can’t do house visits. The burden on my colleague would be enormous. I’m not sure how the practice would cope to be honest.”

Passing sentence, the chairman of the bench John Taylor said exceptional hardship was not found as the practice could employ a locum and Krick could use taxis or a personal driver.

Mr Taylor said: “You were almost 30mph hour above the speed limit and this is the third time you have been clocked speeding. Normally the penalty would be a six-month ban but we are going to use our discretionary powers.”

Krick was banned for 28 days, fined £400, ordered to pay £60 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.