A RUSH for the toilet brought on by illness saw a speeding motorist fined £395 for driving at 103mph.

Jonathan Trewick was caught driving 33mph over the limit on the A19 near Silton crossroads by police.

He told magistrates he was suffering from a flu bug and sickness and had needed a toilet quickly.

The offence took place in February as he drove his BMW back to Seaton Delaval from Manchester.

The 34-year-old driver told the court: "I was caught short and didn't realise how high my speed was as I was trying to get to the nearest services."

Trewick, of Nindrum Way, pleaded guilty to a speeding offence at Northallerton magistrates.

He had four previous endorsements for speeding on his licence but only one, for three points, was still relevant.

Magistrates imposed six points on Trewick's licence leaving him with nine as a ban could mean he lost his job.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson was also cleared of a traffic offence by saying he needed the toilet.

He blamed severe diarrhoea and the need for a toilet for driving on a motorway hard shoulder.

A police spokesman said: "Although unfortunate this is not a valid excuse for driving at this speed and putting lives at risk."

But the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 does allows emergency vehicles to break speed limits if on 999 calls.