A TOP Prince Charles impersonator has escaped a driving ban that would have spelled the end of his career as a royal look-alike.

Weymouth magistrates decided against disqualifying Charles Arthur Haslett, 48, from driving when he appeared before them for speeding along the main Bridport to Dorchester road at Whiteway Cross on April 22.

He was caught on camera driving a Toyota Corolla at 11mph above the 70 mph dual carriageway speed limit on his way to an appearance in Plymouth.

Haslett appeared in court wearing a dark double-breasted suit he uses for Prince Charles impersonations and at times lapsed into the distinctive mannerisms of the real-life royal.

He faced a driving ban because of the number of penalty points the speeding offence would add to those already recorded on his driving licence. He admitted speeding.

Ian Brazier, for Haslett, asked the court to rule there were special reasons not to impose a ban because of the exceptional hardship it would cause.

He said Haslett had been a professional impersonator for 10 years and was now making it into a profitable living which involved travelling all over the country for special appearances at functions, ranging from private events to corporate functions.

Mr Brazier said a driving licence was vital to Haslett continuing to work as he needed to carry two or three suitcases with the clothing and props he uses - as well as his ordinary attire.

He said Haslett drove 35,000 miles a year, adding: "Because of the nature of the work it is not viable for him to stay at hotels and go by train - the numbers do not add up."

Mr Brazier added that Haslett's elderly parents lived in Bournemouth - his mother suffered from Parkinson's disease - and he was on the point of moving from his current home in Aberford Road, Stanley, Wakefield, to a local address to be near his family.

As well as receiving three penalty points, Haslett was ordered to pay a fine and prosecution costs totalling £285 - and magistrates warned him that another motoring offence would lose him his driving licence.