A MERCEDES driver clocked at 95mph on the A35 said he was speeding to keep his child asleep.

He was stopped by Dorset Police No Excuse officers yesterday between Dorchester and Bere Regis.

A spokesman said: "A Mercedes was recorded at 95mph  on the A35, dual carriageway. This driver stated he was keeping his child asleep.

"At 96mph he would have been reported to court so he was lucky to be issued a fixed penalty.

"Unlike a Land Rover driver who was recorded at 96mph straight afterwards, with the driver being reported to court.

"He was rushing to work and already holds six points so now faces a ban for totting up."