LADY Catherine Percy has been banned from driving for speeding and still faces another charge.

The 21-year-old daughter of the Duke of Northumberland was disqualified from driving for six months and fined £300 at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, in North Yorkshire, on Tuesday.

Lady Catherine, who is in the middle of a three-year car mechanics course, was caught exceeding the 70mph limit on the A1M at Boroughbridge, near Ripon, on May 5.

On Thursday, she had been due at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. It is alleged she exceeded the 30mph limit on a road north of Gosforth, in February.

Her solicitor sent a letter asking for the matter to be dealt with in her absence, but magistrates adjourned the case until she could appear or write to the court indicating a plea.

In a statement, her parents said: "Lady Catherine accepts the court ruling and apologises for her excessive speeding.

"Lady Catherine, who is midway through a three-year car mechanic course, has a keen interest in motor racing.

"The Duke and Duchess have accepted their daughter's apology, reminding her that speed on the track should not be duplicated on public roads."

It is the fourth time Lady Catherine, who lives in Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, has been charged with speeding and the second time she has been banned.