A FARMER who jumped a red light as he followed an ambulance taking his wife to hospital has had his driving ban quashed by a court.

A judge, who heard an appeal against Robert White's disqualification, said it was understandable he was not thinking clearly in the circumstances.

White, 73, of Henlade, told the court he had no recollection of driving through the lights in February this year, even though it had been on red for 31 seconds.

He told the court he had been at home when he heard "a clatter in the kitchen" and discovered his wife, Patricia, unconscious on the floor after collapsing.

White added: "I dialled 999. The medic came and took her off to hospital. He said, 'Follow me'."

"I'm convinced the lights (in East Reach) weren't working. I don't recall seeing the lights on red.

"I was worried about my wife."

Judge David Ticehurst dismissed the appeal on the grounds of "a special reason", adding: "Following his wife was perfectly understandable.

"He wasn't thinking as clearly as he should."

The judge jokingly added: "Don't speed - except in a tractor, because I'm fed up with following tractors."