Former BHS Boss Dominic Chappell Banned From Driving For Speeding

The man who oversaw the collapse of BHS says he "feels sorry" for the failed high street chain's workers - as he was banned from driving for speeding.

Dominic Chappell was speaking outside Aldershot Magistrates Court after being banned from driving for six months.

The former racing car driver, who purchased British Home Stores for £1 last year, admitted to driving over 60mph in a 40mph zone in April.

He had argued in court that his involvement in the BHS collapse made it "impractical" for him to use public transport, saying he carries around 20,000 documents in three boxes in his car for regular meetings.

He also claimed that he suffered from "abuse" and "strong language" from other passengers when he used the train.

He told the court it would be "a stretch" to employ a chauffeur or take taxis.

His solicitor argued on his behalf that "there was a public interest in helping these people (various parliamentary committees)", but it was rejected by the magistrate who did not find an acceptable hardship case.

Magistrate Jenny Gove handed down a £665 fine as well as six penalty points which took Mr Chappell to a total of 16 points.

Asked about BHS workers outside the court, he told Sky News: "I feel very sorry for them as I said publicly at the inquiry but I'm afraid British Home Stores was a very difficult turnaround operation for us.

"We failed in doing that and we regret that situation. But we're not the only ones under scrutiny at the moment.

"I can't say anything more because we're currently in three investigations which are coming to a close hopefully in the next three months and we'll see what happens."

He said he will "possibly" use public transport now.

"I respect the court's decision," he said. "I was speeding and shouldn't have been, and that's what happened. I am sorry for that."

Mr Chappell was driving a green Range Rover when he was pulled over by police in in Andover, Hampshire.

After being pulled over, Mr Chappell told the police: "This will cost me £25,000. I've been driving since I was 18 and have never had an accident.

"I drive an average of 35,000 miles a year and I used to be a race car driver."

The businessman, who has previous speeding convictions, was driven away from the court by a chauffeur.