A SWANAGE man has not been disqualified from driving, despite having 18 points on his licence, after he failed to give information to police on three occasions when officers launched a speeding probe.

Andrew Pragnell, of Argyle Road, has now been convicted of three counts of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a Vauxhall van.

The offences were committed in May and June last year.

Prosecutors also charged Pragnell, 33, with three related counts of speeding, although these allegations were later dropped.

The defendant appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court last week. He was fined a total of £300 and ordered to pay a surcharge.

In addition, he was given six points for each offence - a total of 18. Magistrates did not order a totting disqualification after they heard his young family would be caused 'exceptional hardship' if he wasn't able to drive.

Pragnell is the sole earner and his children would have to move schools in the event of a driving ban, it was heard.

Drivers who amass 12 points on their licence within three years are usually disqualified under the 'totting up' procedure.