TOP television journalist Martin Bashir told a Basingstoke court that he sped through a 30mph zone at twice the speed limit because he was rushing home to protect his family from a menacing youth.

The award-winning reporter, who is best known for his exclusive interview with Princess Diana, pleaded guilty before a district judge at Basingstoke magistrates' court on Friday to driving at 60mph in a 30mph zone.

The court heard that Bashir, 39, had moved to north Hampshire last year to make it easier to take care of elderly relatives.

Shortly afterwards, his 14-year-old son struck up a friendship with a local boy who turned out to be "a known miscreant."

Bashir, representing himself, said: "This individual began haranguing my son by constantly coming to the house and telephoning him."

He told the court that while he was at a dinner party on February 1, he received a call informing him that the boy was at his home and knocking on his door.

Bashir said he was particularly anxious for the safety of his family as the boy had previously taken a child's bike from his house and set fire to it.

He told the judge that the boy had also set fire to his car, writing it off.

He said: "This individual was a menace to my family. If I was driving at that speed, it was for the very reason of protecting my family.

"I acknowledge that is not sufficient reason to speed and it is with the greatest regret that I accept I was wrong.

"I want to say that I recognise the significance and importance of speed limits.

"Prior to this year, I have never been found guilty of road traffic offences."

Bashir said he was surprised when he received a letter informing him of the offence, which took place in St Cross Road, Winchester, as he had not been stopped by a police officer.

The court heard he had been caught speeding by a special constable carrying a police speed radar gun.

District judge John Woollard said he took note of Bashir's early guilty plea and the fact that he didn't contest the charge.

But Mr Woollard also said he had to consider the Government's crackdown on speeding campaign and the need for speed to be controlled.

He warned Bashir: "One more speeding offence in the near future will automatically lead to disqualification."

Bashir, of Clifton Road, Winchester, was fined £200 and had six penalty points added to the three he already had on his licence. He was also told to pay £35 costs.

He declined to comment on the incident after the case.