Opera singer spared driving ban

Michael Chance, 51, of Hindringham, Norfolk, who admitted speeding, was clocked doing 41mph in a 30mph area of Norwich on 17 November last year.

Norwich Magistrates were told Chance needed his licence because his singing and teaching took him around the world.

As well as the fine, Chance was given three penalty points.

Self-employed singer

Grammy award-winning singer Chance told the court that in 32 years of driving all over the world he had never had an accident.

"I do recognise I have these three previous speeding convictions and have to change my driving habits," he said.

Deputy district judge Frazer Morrison decided that a driving ban would cause the self-employed singer "undue hardship".

The court heard a ban would limit both his professional and family commitments.

Mr Chance, a countertenor, has performed in Sydney Opera House, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and Carnegie Hall in New York.

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