Armless driver let off

A New Zealand man without arms, who was caught speeding, has avoided a court conviction after police dropped dangerous driving charges against him.

New Zealanders have been following the case against 31-year-old Colin Smith closely since he was caught speeding at Tauranga on the North Island in March.

The highway patrol did a double-take when they spotted him reclining in the driver's seat, steering the car with one foot.

Although he was born with no arms and had no licence, he had apparently been driving for years.

The dangerous driving charge was dropped after Mr Smith convinced authorities he could drive a specially modified vehicle safely and was prepared to get a learner's permit.