Police in Dumfries and Galloway have fined a cyclist £60 and endorsed his driving licence with a 3 point penalty, even though he was in fact cycling at the time.

Jamie Barton, undergoing a charity cycle from Lands End to John O Groats, had strayed onto the A74 (M) whilst following his satnav.

"I had just crossed the border. I was following a sat nav and had my head down. I didn't realise it was taking me onto the A74(M)," Barton said. 

"They spent about 30 minutes with me in the car. They seemed intent on giving me the biggest penalty,"

Dumfries and Galloway police have now withdrawn the endorsement after admitting their error, caling "incorrect procedures" had been followed.

However, in 2008, Lothian and Borders police told The Firm that a penalty issued by a police officer was irrevocable and could not be cancelled, and such a matter would need to proceed to court.

"In reviewing the case it now appears that incorrect procedures were taken in the issuing of this ticket and as such this has now been cancelled," Dumfries and Galloway police said. 

"The matter will not be taken any further by the force."