Ticket paid off

John Cleese has avoided a court hearing into his driving, after his speeding ticket was paid off.

It had been alleged that 6ft 5in comedian's Mini Cooper had been photographed breaking the 30mph limit on the A4 between Bath and Bristol in November.

But the case was dropped yesterday, when Bath magistrates heard that a fixed penalty notice had been paid.

It was not explained whether 71-year-old Cleese or someone else had accepted the penalty notice, which carries a minimum fine of £60 and three penalty points.

Last month, his publicist said Cleese, who lives in Bath with his jeweller girlfriend Jennifer Wade, owned the car but was not behind the wheel.

Published: 18 Jun 2011