AN Exmoor farmer who drove a vehicle in a dangerous condition has had three penalty points endorsed on his driving licence but was spared a ban by Taunton Deane magistrates.

Samuel Cowling, aged 26, of Ruglands Farm, Brompton Regis, pleaded guilty to driving a Toyota Hilux with sharp edges on its rear tailgate and faulty brakes, making the vehicle dangerous for anybody on the road, and having a bald tyre.

Both offences happened on May 26 last year on the A39 at Washford Cross, near Williton.

The magistrates also fined Cowling £153 and ordered him to pay costs of £85 and a victim services fund surcharge of £122, but decided against a disqualification under totting up rules because it would cost him his business.