A BBC journalist was fined and asked to pay court costs after being found guilty of speeding in Worcester.

Michele Paduano, a health reporter on Midlands Today, was caught travelling at 36mph along the A44 New Road on Thursday June 22 last year.

The 42-year old got lost on his way to a live broadcast on the future of the NHS, and asked for a court trial so he could argue he should be let off.

Paduano argued he was running late for an important show that was "in the public interest" - and that he posed no danger to other drivers at that speed.

Worcester magistrates court rejected his case and ordered he pay the trial costs of £250, as well as a £60 speeding fine.

Paduano, who hails from Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire, revealed it was his birthday on the day he was caught speeding.

Defending himself, he said: "It was my birthday that day last year, and my three year old gave me presents in the morning.

"I'm a journalist and was going to a very important broadcast on the future of the NHS. When I left the office I was obstructed by roadworks, and phoned the producer in advance to say I might not make it in time.

"I got a bit lost trying to find Worcester University and actually went past the speed camera twice before I got my bearings - I have to say in all honesty I was looking at the road to see where I was going, rather than my speed."

The court rejected his plea and put three points on his licence, as well as the fines.