A BUILTH Wells man was surprised to learn he’d been convicted in his absence for speeding when he hadn’t been told he was being prosecuted.

Raymond Vickers, 56, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week to try and overturn a conviction of having six points placed on his driving licence for a speeding offence on December 9 last year.

Vickers, of Kings Head Lane, Builth, had been charged for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle, a Mercedes SLK, when required.

Vickers said he was unable to provide the information as he had not received any correspondence from the court or the police informing him about the charges against him.

He faced two charges, speeding and failing to report, with six points placed on his licence after he was convicted in his absence at a previous hearing.

The speeding offence relates to Vickers being caught travelling at 40 miles per hour in a 30mph zone.

Vickers told magistrates on Wednesday, June 22, the first he heard about the matter was when he did receive a letter telling him of the court issuing him with six penalty points.

“On May 27 a letter arrived notifying me of the disqualification, it said I had been found guilty in my absence which was a surprise,” said Vickers, who said he was a self-employed musical instrument seller.

“I’m sure the police are correct but I’m not guilty of not providing evidence as I would have complied. Often, I find my post has been delivered to other No.3 addresses in town.”

The failing to provide charge was withdrawn and Vickers pleaded guilty to speeding.

Magistrates issued him with a £100 fixed penalty and a £34 surcharge, while three points were put on his licence.