Pensioner avoids £42,000 fine for returning a library book 58 YEARS after borrowing it 

A pensioner who borrowed a book on driving after he was in a crash has returned it 58 years late – but has avoided a £42,340 fine.

David Hickman was just 17 when he borrowed The Law for Motorists in 1964 to swot up after being involved in a car accident in Dudley, West Midlands.

He was waving to a group of teenagers from Dudley High School for Girls when he crashed into the town mayor’s car.

Dudley Magistrates Court fined him £7 – around £175 in today’s money.

David Hickman (left)  borrowed a book on driving after he was in a crash has returned it 58 years late – but has avoided a £42,340 fine

He was just 17 when he borrowed The Law for Motorists in 1964, pictured above with  manager of Dudley Library Sharon Whitehouse, to swot up after being involved in a car accident in Dudley, West Midlands 

After losing the case, Mr Hickman forgot to return the book and took it with him when he moved to London in 1970.

This week Mr Hickman, now 76, drove back to return the book in person.

With overdue fines of 20p a day, librarians could have charged him £42,340 but they waived the fees after hearing his amusing story.

Mr Hickman said: ‘I used to come across it now and then and think “I must pop that back next time I’m in Dudley.” Fortunately, they saw the funny side.’

Dudley librarian Sharon Whitehouse said: ‘I’m thrilled to have the book returned, complete with its pre-computerisation cardboard tickets, and to hear the story behind it. ‘We’re hoping to donate it to The Black Country Museum.’ 

With overdue fines of 20p a day, librarians could have charged him £42,340 but they waived the fees after hearing his amusing story

David was waving to a group of teenagers from Dudley High School for Girls when he crashed into the town mayor’s car