A TYCOON who owns the Edinburgh Woollen Mill chain has appeared in court on a careless driving charge.

Philip Day, 47, of Edmond Castle at Corby Hill, Carlisle, pled guilty at Dumfries Sheriff Court to driving at speeds of up to 83mph, overtaking vehicles when it was not safe to do so, and crossing chevron markings.

He admitted driving on the A7 Carlisle to Edinburgh road near Canonbie in February while his view was restricted by excess spray caused by other vehicles.

As Mr Day sat in the dock, his counsel, Ian Duguid, QC, said he was putting forward a special reason for his driving licence not to be endorsed.

He requested a delay in the continuation for the hearing because Mr Day had business commitments in the Middle East. Sheriff George Jamieson fixed a date of February 14 for the hearing.

Earlier this year, Mr Day was ordered to pay almost £1 million in fines and costs after damaging woodland on his land in Cumbria.

A court heard trees were felled and land excavated to create a track, damaging the woodland ground flora in Gelt Woods, which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group recently announced plans to create more than 1100 jobs over the next 18 months by opening new stores.