THE daughter of one of Britain's wealthiest aristocrats escaped a third driving ban yesterday.

Lady Catherine Percy, eldest daughter of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, received her first penalty points for speeding in March 2001.

She was then banned from driving for 28 days in April last year when she was caught driving through Northumberland at 115mph - 45mph over the limit.

She was also banned from driving for breaking a 70mph limit in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, in May.

Yesterday, she was sentenced in her absence by Newcastle magistrates for a further speeding offence commit- ted a few months earlier, in February.

The court heard that Lady Catherine, who lives in Aln-wick Castle, Northumberland, drove at 41mph in a 30mph zone.

She was recorded on a speed camera, on the Great North Road, in Gosforth, Newcastle, at an area known as Blue House.

Lady Catherine, 21, admitting speeding and sent a letter to the court stating she was "terribly sorry" for the offence.

She had four points added to her licence, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Motor racing enthusiast Lady Catherine, whose father, Lord Ralph Percy, has an estimated fortune of £300m, was given 28 days to pay.

At the insistence of the Duke and Duchess, Lady Catherine has taken two further driving courses since passing her test at the age of 17.