Motorist filmed driving with his hands behind his head is banned

Man claimed he was stretching because of a bad back

Richard Newton from Whitby was filmed by North Yorkshire Police driving with both of his hands on his head (North Yorkshire Police)

A man who was filmed travelling at the wheel of a car with his hands behind his head has been convicted of dangerous driving.

Richard Newton, 36, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, denied the charge that he was driving dangerously. He instead claimed that he was stretching because of a problem with his back when he was caught on police camera.

Mr Newton drove at 62mph between Whitby and Guisborough on the A171 in August 2013, while a number of vehicles passed him on the opposite side of the road.

The magistrate hearing Mr Newton's case was not convinced by his story.

"We do not accept the reasons put forward amount to special reasons," Ms Dennis said at Scarborough Magistrates' Court.

She added: "It's unacceptable a person would drive without hands on the wheel. It can have serious consequences for road safety."

Dave Brown, from North Yorkshire Police's Mobile Safety Camera Team, said: "This case demonstrates two things, one is the sheer stupidity of some people who put others in danger, and the other is the ability of our safety camera to capture a range of offences."

He added: "This is yet another case which shows that these cameras are about safety and not just speeding. We will take action against all manner of offences to ensure we keep our roads as safe as possible for everyone."

The 36-year-old has been banned from driving for 12 months and must complete 100 hours of community service.

He was also fined £625 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Additional reporting by Press Association