The Archbishop of Canterbury on Friday received a fine of over £500 and given three penalty points after being caught speeding in London .
The Most Reverend Justin Welby was caught on camera last year driving his Volkswagen Golf at 25 mph in a 20 mph zone.
The 67-year-old was traveling down the Albert Embankment toward Lambeth Palace, where he had an official residence.
In a private magistrates court proceeding, he formally admitted to the crime.
The single justice procedure was used to prosecute the archbishop, who was stopped by a speed camera on October 2. This process enables courts to handle matters without requiring the defendant to appear in court.
On Wednesday, the same day he spoke out against the government’s Illegal Migration Bill before the House of Lords, he entered a guilty plea online.
In addition to receiving the penalty points on his driving record, Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court ordered Mr. Welby to pay a £300 fine, a £120 victim surcharge, and £90 in legal fees.
According to a representative for Lambeth Palace, the archbishop was not aware that the case might go to court.
A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace said the archbishop had been unaware the case might be dealt with in court.
The spokesperson said: “He has tried to resolve this and pay the fine three times. He has all the paperwork to prove that he has tried to pay.
“Admin errors seem to be causing problems.”