Richard Simpson, 70, already had two speeding offences on his licence, which carry a total of six penalty points when he was prosecuted again.
The former Croydon resident claimed he did not receive notice of jumping a red light after failing to update his logbook when moving to the south coast in June, 2024.
Simpson, of Albany Villas, Hove pleaded guilty to failing to give the identity of the driver when his black Audi failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing red light in Brighton Road, Croydon.
Croydon Magistrates' Court heard pedestrians were still on the crossing when the vehicle failed to stop for the red light and the incident was reported by a member of the public.
A letter asking for the identification of the driver was posed to Simpson's old address and when he did not respond he was prosecuted for that offence and the original red light charge was dropped.
The offence carries six penalty points, making Simpson subject to a six-month disqualification with a total of twelve penalty points on his licence, but he successfully argued he would suffer 'exceptional hardship' if banned.
Simpson told the court he was eventually informed of the prosecution by the new occupants of his former Croydon home, conceding he failed to update his details.
He described himself as a man of good character, who has driver for over forty-eight years.
Simpson told the magistrates he has a full-time job delivering specialist auto parts “up an down” the A23 and in London, driving approximately 120 miles per day.
“I wouldn't have a job,” he told the court, if he was subject to a disqualification. “I would be terminated.”
He said he is committed to £13,000 worth of work on his house, including heating and windows and needs his licence to drive the one hour to regular hospital appointments.
Bench Chairman Richard Hay announced: “It is exceptional hardship,” saving Simpson from immediate disqualification.
He was given six penalty points and was fined £872, with £349 costs.


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