A NEW driver believes the law has treated him harshly after being told he would be forced to retake his driving test for jumping a red lightMagistrates gave Simon Grant, 22, three penalty points after he admitted not stopping at the red light in Princes Street.

A NEW driver believes the law has treated him harshly after being told he would be forced to retake his driving test for jumping a red light

Magistrates gave Simon Grant, 22, three penalty points after he admitted not stopping at the red light in Princes Street.

The Ipswich court heard Grant, of Dickens Road, already had three points for speeding back in February which meant he has now clocked up SIX points.

As he passed his test less than two years ago, he was told the extra points mean he must retake his test.

Prosecutor Godfried Duah said officers spotted a Toyota turn from Chancery Road into Princes Street.

The traffic lights turned yellow but the vehicle failed to stop and he went through a red light.

Representing himself, Suffolk College degree student Grant, said: "I am terribly sorry. I thought it was too dangerous to stop.

"When I was driving the light was orange.

"I was travelling at a speed I thought if I stopped I would have ended up further than the traffic lights."

He was told by the court clerk that points were obligatory and the court had "no option" but to give them.

Grant, who admitted jumping the red light, was also ordered to pay £30 fine and £35 towards prosecution costs.

Bench chairman Martin Smith told him: "The law is strict on all drivers but new drivers in particular."

After the case Grant said of the penalty: "It's harsh, it's very harsh."