A WHITCHURCH man has avoided losing his licence after being found guilty of a motoring offence in North Somerset - but he faces a court bill of almost £1,000.

Gaspare Gravanti, 33, of Whitecross Avenue, failed to give police details of who was driving a vehicle suspected of committing an offence in Whitchurch last July.

He was found guilty of the offence when he appeared at North Somerset Magistrates' Court.

Gravanti was given six penalty points on his driving licence, which took him over the 'totting up' total for disqualification.

But magistrates decided not to ban him from the road after hearing it could risk him losing his job as a mechanic for a small firm or being put on restricted duties.

The court heard that would result in "a detrimental impact on his employer and any loss of employment would cause financial hardship for his family and possible loss of home".

He was fined £691, along with a £276 victim surcharge.

Gravanti must pay the total court bill of £967 at a rate of £50 a month starting from June 8.