MASERATI driver Gerald Derek Deaffern was clocked doing more than 80mph in a 40mph zone on Bolton Road, Darwen.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when he was eventually spoken to by an officer in Egerton Deaffern said: "I'm surprised you could keep up."

When told he was going to be reported for speeding he said: "I'll be surprised if you can prove your case, I had two people in my car, both eminent members of the community."

A speeding allegation was proved in the absence of Deaffern, 36, of Sunnyhill Close, Darwen, and the magistrates adjourned the case until March 6 because they are considering imposing a disqualification.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said the police officer who followed the Maserati was at one stage doing between 85 and 90mph without gaining.

When the vehicle entered a 40mph zone in Egerton it was still doing in excess of 80mph.