Richard Hammond fined £999 after being caught speeding twice

Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has been fined after being caught speeding twice within three weeks while driving two luxury cars in Herefordshire.

The 56-year-old was first caught driving his Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo at 68mph in a 50mph zone on the A40 at Pencraig on 2 December.

Just weeks later, Hammond was caught again, this time driving his Bentley Continental GT at 82mph in a 70mph limiton the M50 near the Rudhall Overbridge on 22 December.

Hammond pleaded guilty to both speeding offences through his solicitor. Two additional charges relating to allegedly failing to respond to police letters and identify himself as the driver were later withdrawn.

At the hearing, he was given seven penalty points on his driving licence and ordered to pay fines and costs. The total amount ordered by the court was £1,771, including fines of £333 and £666, prosecution costs and victim surcharges.

Court documents revealed that police initially sent speeding notices to addresses linked to Hammond, including a Grade II listed castle in Herefordshire and a farm estate near Hereford. The letters were returned after being marked as the recipient having moved away.

Officers later tracked Hammond down to his home near Abergavenny in Wales, where the court heard more than 30 vehicles were registered.

Hammond, who became famous alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May on BBC's Top Gear, has previously faced driving-related issues. In 2013, he received a three-month driving ban in France after being caught speeding while filming the programme.

The television presenter has continued working in motoring shows, including The Grand Tour, which he presented alongside Clarkson and May.