DAD Justin Oliver told magistrates he broke the speed limit because he was rushing home to help his depressed wife cope with their hyperactive son.

The father-of-four was in the middle of a meeting of the Fynamore School Parent Teachers' Association, which he chairs, when he received a panic-stricken call from his wife.

Oliver was caught breaking the 30mph limit at Rowden Hill, Chippeham, at 9.10pm on February 19 when he was clocked driving at 46mph in his Renault Espace.

Oliver, 47, of Coniston Road, Chippenham, is a full time carer for his wife who suffers from depression. One of his sons suffers from attention deficient hyperactivity disorder and takes the drug Ritalin three times a day.

The court heard that Oliver was chairing a meeting at the school when he got a call from his wife. "She rang up saying get home now. I cannot cope," said Andrew Watt-Jones, defending.

Oliver originally faced three charges at Chippenham Magistrates Court on Tuesday but two of these were dropped by the prosecution after the defence explained the circumstances.

Oliver could not produce his driving licence within seven days because the DVLA had it to note his change of address and so the matter went to court.

He was given a £60 fine and three penalty points.

Speaking after the case, Oliver said: "If I lost my licence I could not get my kids to school or to therapy so I am grateful for that."