THE boss of Swansea's Penthouse Restaurant could face a driving ban after he was caught travelling at twice the speed limit on Fabian Way.

Peter Way, of Blackpill, reached speeds of 80mph in a 40mph zone on August 25 last year.

The 44-year-old director of the city's most high-profile restaurant was found guilty of speeding in his absence by Swansea magistrates yesterday.

Prosecutor Andrew David said that following the offence Way told the officer: "I thought it was 70(mph)".

The court heard a summons had been served on Way by post on February 3, as well as the prosecution's evidence.

"The officer Lee Peter Christer works for the Roads Policing Unit," said Mr David.

"At 2.25pm he was on duty in full uniform in an unmarked police vehicle.

"He saw a BMW X5 motor vehicle with an '09 plate travelling along Fabian Way.

"The officer saw that it was travelling in excess of the temporary 40mph speed restriction at that time."

Mr David said the officer saw the car increase its speed to a constant 68-70mph.

"It maintained the speed around a sweeping right hand bend followed by a sweeping left hand bend," he said.

"As it exited the bend it reached a speed of 80."

The court heard it was at this point that the officer stopped Way.

Presiding magistrate Joan Moruzzi said that the bench found the case proved.

"I think we had better get Mr Way here because of the speed," she said.

"He may be disqualified so I think he should be present."

Mrs Moruzzi said the court would write to Way to inform him he must attend on March 26 for sentence or an arrest warrant would be issued.

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