British tourist caught speeding at 110mph in New Zealand says 'father had diarrhoea'

A British tourist who was caught driving at 110mph while on holiday in New Zealand tried to get out of it by saying he was speeding because his father had diarrhoea.

Peter Lee, 47, blamed his father's upset stomach when a policeman stopped him going almost double the 60mph limit on State Highway 6 near Hokitika.

Mr Lee, who is facing bankruptcy proceedings in the UK, has been ordered to pay a fine of NZD$1,000 (around £500) or face a short time of around three months in jail.

He is reportedly enjoying a holiday paid for by his father, who has a brother in the country, whose house they are staying at.

According to the Daily Mail, Mr Lee was charged with dangerous driving in New Zealand's Queenstown District Court.

Stuff.co.nz reports that Judge Michael Crosbie said: "I would be setting an untenable precedent if everyone on the road thought they could get away with a fine [for excessive speed]. There are already enough mixed messages out there about our roads or road abuse.

"It should not be lost on him the maximum penalty is three months' jail. Unless he can make arrangements to pay he can go off to prison."

The judge added that if Mr Lee did not pay, he would be arrested at Auckland International Airport when he is due to fly home on 14 March.