Famous Mansfield milkman keeps licence after speeding

Mansfield’s most famous milkman has been forced to slow down after a court appearance for speeding.

David John Watson, who was named Britain’s top milkman two years ago, was late for work when he was clocked at almost twice the speed limit heading through a town near Doncaster.

But the 32-year-old has been able to keep his job after a court decided not to disqualify him from driving.

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Watson, of School Road, Beighton, near Sheffield, appeared in the dock at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court after a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to attend a court for a previous hearing.

He pleaded guilty to driving at 56mph in Sunderland Street, Tickhill, which is a 30mph limit area, in the early hours of 27th August.

Watson told the court he was on his way to work as a milkman when the offence was committed.

After he said his driving licence was integral to his job and he was working 12-14 hours a day, District Judge Jonathan Bennett said he would not give him the usual 14-day ban for speeding at nearly twice the limit.

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He was fined £225 with £85 costs and a £23 victim surcharge, in addition to six penalty points on his licence.

Watson, a married man, has worked in the dairy industry for more than 12 years and in 2011, while based at the milk&more depot in Quarry Lane, Mansfield, beat thousands of other entrants to be named Milkman of the Year.

He delivers to more than 460 customers in and around Mansfield.

At the time of his award, the judges said his devotion to the job, cheery smile and willingness to go beyond the call of duty by helping out the local community has won their approval.

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He normally starts his round at 2am but on the day he was caught speeding was still in his way to work at 3.27am.

Watson said he was ‘over the moon’ when he won the title, adding: “I have built up a great rapport with my customers over the years. They are more like my friends and because I start my round so early in the morning I am the eye and ears of the community. The best thing about being a milkman is definitely my customers.”

His prize was a cheque for £1,250.