Jehoshua Gross’ damaged car. Photo: UK Police.

An Orthodox British Jew pleaded guilty in court to reckless driving, after getting into an accident and continuing on his way, with parts of his car breaking off — all to make it home before the start of the Sabbath, the UK’s Daily Post reported on Monday.

According to the report, Jehoshua Gross was fined the GBP equivalent of $161 and ordered to pay another $140 in unspecified costs. In addition, his car was impounded, he was barred from driving for 13 months and he was instructed to re-take his driver’s test. However, the court said it understood his “religious commitments.”

Gross had explained that he had been worried that if he did not reach his destination before sundown, he and his family would be forced to remain in their car overnight.

The incident occurred when Gross was travelling with his wife and three children from London to North Wales one Friday, when he got into a no-fault collision with another vehicle. Though parts of his Honda Civic flew off as he sped away, he continued on, even driving on the shoulder of the road to circumvent traffic. Another motorist followed him and contacted police.