A GP who admitted speeding in his Porsche 911 on the A59 has hung on to his licence after magistrates accepted his patients would suffer.

Graeme Summers, 41, was recorded doing 86mph on the 50mph section of Beamsley Hill at just after 6pm on September 26, Skipton magistrates heard.

He was not banned from driving, but instead fined £860, had his licence endorsed with six penalty points and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victims surcharge of £86.

Summers, who had earlier admitted speeding by letter, was told to appear in court as magistrates were considering a ban because of his excessive speed.

He told magistrates it had been a momentary lapse of judgement and a ban would impact on his work colleagues who would have to cover all home call-outs – apart from those he could reach by bike.

He was also concerned about not being able to visit patients nearing the end of their lives.

He added that he had sold the Porsche and moved from Harrogate to Easby Drive, Ilkley, to be closer to his practice.