AN uninsured motorist has been allowed to keep his licence despite running up enough penalty points to merit a ban.

Mark David Johns, 51, of Wolvershill Park, Banwell, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at North Somerset Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that Johns was stopped by police while driving along Ravenhill Road, Bedminster, on January 15 this year, when it was discovered he did not have a valid insurance policy.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and a contribution of £90 towards prosecution costs

Magistrates handed him six penalty points on his driving licence.

Despite taking him over the totting up points total for a ban, he was not disqualified due to the effect it would have on his health and that of his partner and her employees.