HEREFORDSHIRE'S Happy Mondays star Bez has been fined for "recklessly" and "carelessly" driving his Bentley after hitting speeds of up to 90mph.

Bez, 58, whose full name is Mark Berry, told police who tailed him for 13 minutes he thought he was being followed by "some kind of weirdo" so sped up to "get away".

He was found guilty of driving without due care and attention on the M56 at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The Crown Prosecution Service said he was driving his Bentley Continental car on the northbound carriageway near junction five on January 3, when he offended.

Two police officers patrolling in an unmarked car decided to follow him after he cut across their vehicle, forcing them to brake, it was said.

They witnessed the defendant undertaking other cars and driving at excessive speeds through speed restricted roadworks, the court heard.

He then cut across all three lanes of the motorway, in front of a white van, to leave the motorway at junction five, travelling at around 85 to 90mph.

The officers stopped the vehicle on the off-ramp of junction five and spoke to Bez.

He was charged with driving without due care and attention.

Bez, who told the court that he lives in Pontrilas, Herefordshire, denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial.

He was fined £1,009 and must pay a victim surcharge of £101 and costs of £400.

Three penalty points have also been added to his licence.

OTHER NEWS:

Senior district crown prosecutor Neil Colville, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Berry was driving recklessly on that night without any thought for the other drivers on the road.

“It is lucky that someone was not hurt as he was driving at speed and carelessly. The fact that he cut across a car that was being driven by a police officer is fortuitous.

“That led them to follow him and stop him before he could cause any more issues.

“He has denied his wrongdoing until the end, but has now been found guilty.

“Some people think the laws of the land do not apply to them. Speed limits and road regulations are there to protect us all.

“Mark Berry chose to ignore them. He has been found guilty and has only himself to blame.”

Want to stay up to date with all the latest Herefordshire court and crime news? Click here to join our Hereford Times Court and Crime group on Facebook or click here to sign up for our weekly court and crime email newsletter.