Hotel king's son admits speeding

Stakis was caught in a speed trap as he drove on the motorway

The son of famous hotelier and restaurateur Sir Reo Stakis has escaped a driving ban after being caught speeding at 99mph on a motorway.

Andros Stakis was caught in a police speed trap on the M80 on the way to arrange his mother's funeral.

At Falkirk Sheriff Court, the 50-year-old, from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, admitted speeding at Dunipace, Stirlingshire, on 9 May.

He was fined £375 and given six penalty points on his licence.

The court heard that Stakis committed the offence a few days after the sudden death of his mother.

Defence lawyer Iain Fleming said: "He was driving to Dunblane to make arrangements for the funeral.

"The reality was the man was grieving, and he allowed his speed to creep up to what he now accepts was an unacceptable level."

Sheriff Linda Smith heard that Stakis needed his licence to take his two young children to school and nursery, one of whom required trips to hospital in Perth because of difficulties with sight and hearing.