Whitby driver filmed with hands behind head Published duration 6 January 2014

media caption Richard Newton was caught by a police safety camera van on the A171 between Whitby and Guisborough

A motorist has been banned from driving after he was caught driving at 62mph with both hands behind his head.

Richard Newton, 36, from Whitby, was filmed driving for about 30 seconds with both hands off the steering wheel, Scarborough Magistrates' Court heard.

He was caught by a police safety camera van on the A171 between Whitby and Guisborough on 9 August.

Mr Newton had argued he was in control of the car but was found guilty of dangerous driving.

He was given a 12-month ban and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

He was also fined £625 and told he must pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Dave Brown, from North Yorkshire Police said: "This case demonstrates two things. One is the sheer stupidity of some people who put others in danger and the other is the ability of our safety camera to capture a range of offences."