LORD Kinnock was banned from driving for six months and fined £800 for two speeding offences.

The former Labour leader appeared at Abergavenny magistrates court yesterday afternoon after accumulating 15 points on his driving licence. He pleaded guilty to two separate offences.

The court heard how on June 24 last year on the M4 eastbound between junction 18 and 19 he was caught driving an Audi at 57mph in a 40mph temporary speed limit.

He was caught again by a speed detection device on November 5, 2005, at 9.25am driving an Audi A4 at the Second Severn Crossing Toll Plaza at 63mph in a 50mph zone.

The 64-year-old had his licence revoked and was told he can apply for a new one in six months. He also had to pay costs of £43.

The former MP for Islwyn, who was born and raised in Tredegar, already had nine points on his licence for three speeding offences in March 2003, September 2003, and February 2005.

Kerry Gwyther, defending, said he was not prepared to discuss his client's finances but said he was prepared to pay the highest penalty bracket.

Mr Gwyther said: "As an individual he is well known for his work as the president of Cardiff University, president of the Welsh Sports Aid Trust and his work at the Brecon Beacons.

"His work involves a fair amount of driving and so he will miss not being able to do so."

Mr Gwyther said his client did not wish to use his public and charitable endeavours as an excuse.

He said: "He's sorry he has to be here today in this position. "It is an acutely difficult situation. He has shown genuine remorse."

AfterwardsLord Kinnock said: "Speeding is a big problem in this country. If we reach the speed limit and break that limit, we should expect to pay. "Technology equipment for speeding motorists is vital. "It makes sense and saves lives."

The peer, of Mount Avenue, Ealing, London, spoke only to confirm his name and address.