Steve Coogan Escapes Driving Ban After Plea to Save The Trip with Rob Brydon.
Steve Coogan has managed to avoid a driving ban after pleading with the judge that it would affect his upcoming TV show.
The Alan Partridge actor, 59, was caught driving at 97mph on the M6 near Telford on 29 July last year.
Coogan already had six points on his licence, meaning that a further six would have led to disqualification.
However, in a letter to Birmingham Magistrates Court, he stressed that a ban would significantly impact the next series of his sitcom The Trip. According to the Evening Standard, he said:
“I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip (with Rob Brydon) which, as the title suggests, requires me to drive.”
He continued, explaining that other “important film commitments” this year also required him to drive.
“These projects would be severely impacted, not only affecting my own livelihood but also the many individuals dependent on these productions for work,” he wrote.
“These include camera, sound, and lighting technicians, riggers, and others on modest wages who would face cancellations and financial hardship, as rescheduling such projects is often highly complicated.”
Coogan then implored the judge to impose five points instead of six. After pleading guilty, his request was eventually agreed upon on 30 January.
In addition to the penalty points, Coogan was also fined £2,500, given a £1,000 surcharge, and ordered to pay £90 in costs.
Interestingly, The Trip's director, Michael Winterbottom, had previously stated that there would not be a fifth series. However, Coogan's court correspondence suggests otherwise.
Famous UK Personalities Who Avoided Driving Bans
The world of celebrities is often closely watched, and when those in the public eye find themselves breaking the law, it becomes even more headline-grabbing. Driving offences, including speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, are among the most common legal issues that affect public figures. While many celebrities face the full weight of the law, some manage to avoid or reduce driving bans. This article explores some of the most famous UK personalities who have faced driving offences, the cars they were driving, where the offences took place, and how they managed to get off with less severe consequences.
1. Chris Hoon
Chris Hoon, a former UK Secretary of State for Transport, became embroiled in a scandal in 2011 when it emerged that he had asked his then-wife, Vicky Pryce, to take the penalty points for his speeding offences. The incident took place in 2003 when Hoon was caught speeding on a motorway, specifically the M11 in Essex. Hoon, who was driving his Jaguar X-Type, could have faced a driving ban. However, by asking his wife to take the points on his behalf, he managed to avoid the ban. This revelation came to light years later, leading to his conviction for perverting the course of justice.
Although the case didn’t involve a direct driving ban at the time of the offence, the story became notorious. In 2012, Hoon was sentenced to prison for eight months for perverting the course of justice. He later resigned from his position, but it was clear that his public profile and legal tactics had initially helped him avoid the driving ban.
Car: Hoon was reportedly driving a Jaguar X-Type at the time of the speeding offence.
Offence: Speeding on the M11 motorway, Essex, and perverting the course of justice by asking his wife to take the penalty points.
How he got off: Hoon avoided the ban initially due to his wife taking the points. His legal team also managed to delay any penalties.
Comments: In the wake of the scandal, Hoon maintained his innocence regarding the charges of perverting the course of justice but eventually served his sentence.
2. Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson, the former host of the hugely popular TV show Top Gear, is no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to motoring. Clarkson, known for his outspoken views on cars and driving, has had several encounters with the law.
One of the most notable instances occurred in 2013 when Clarkson was caught speeding on a public road while filming for Top Gear. Clarkson was driving a BMW M3 on the A303 in Wiltshire, when he was caught doing 86 mph in a 60 mph zone. Given his public profile and the high-speed nature of the offence, he could have faced a significant driving ban. However, Clarkson managed to avoid the penalty through the legal team at his disposal, who presented a case arguing that a ban would severely impact his career.
Car: Clarkson was driving a BMW M3, a high-performance sports car, at the time of the offence.
Offence: Speeding (driving at 86 mph in a 60 mph zone) on the A303, Wiltshire.
How he got off: Clarkson’s legal team successfully argued that a driving ban would harm his career as a television presenter, which ultimately led to the case being resolved with a fine and penalty points rather than a ban.
Comments: Clarkson, ever the controversial figure, dismissed the incident with typical bravado. He later joked in the media that if he had to go to prison, at least it would give him time to write his next book.
3. Paul Gascoigne (Gazza)
Paul Gascoigne, one of England’s most beloved footballers, is no stranger to legal trouble. Over the years, his struggles with alcohol have often landed him in hot water, and driving offences are no exception. In 2008, Gascoigne was arrested for drink-driving after being found behind the wheel of his car while intoxicated.
At the time, Gascoigne was driving a Land Rover on the A1(M), near Newcastle, and was arrested after his vehicle was spotted swerving on the road. Despite the seriousness of the offence, Gascoigne managed to avoid a lengthy driving ban through a combination of legal loopholes and his status as a former football icon. While he did face a hefty fine, he avoided the driving ban that could have further hindered his already troubled career.
Car: Gascoigne was driving a Land Rover when he was arrested for drink-driving.
Offence: Drink-driving, arrested on the A1(M) near Newcastle after swerving on the road while intoxicated.
How he got off: While Gascoigne was fined, he managed to avoid a long-term driving ban, likely due to his celebrity status and legal team.
Comments: Gascoigne later admitted his struggles with alcohol and expressed regret over his actions, often being open about his ongoing personal battles in the public eye.
4. Georgie Thompson
Georgie Thompson, a former sports presenter for Sky Sports, was involved in a speeding incident in 2015. She was caught driving at 77 mph in a 50 mph zone on the M25 in Surrey. Given that she was a public figure, the incident could have led to a driving ban. However, Thompson managed to avoid this punishment by appealing the decision.
Thompson argued that a ban would severely impact her ability to work, as her job involved regular travel for sports events. In light of her career and the mitigating circumstances, the court decided to allow her to retain her driving licence, though she was still fined.
Car: Georgie Thompson was driving a Mini Cooper at the time of the speeding offence.
Offence: Speeding (77 mph in a 50 mph zone) on the M25, Surrey.
How she got off: Thompson's appeal to retain her licence, based on the impact it would have on her career, was successful.
Comments: Thompson stated that she accepted her fine and penalty points but was relieved that she was able to continue driving for work purposes.
5. Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell, the media mogul and judge on The X Factor, found himself in a bit of trouble in 2017 after being caught speeding in his Ferrari 458. Cowell was caught doing 80 mph in a 60 mph zone on the M4 motorway in West London. Given Cowell’s high-profile status and wealth, the case attracted significant media attention. However, Cowell managed to avoid a driving ban by arguing that his work commitments, which involved frequent travel, would be disrupted by the loss of his licence.
Car: Cowell was driving a Ferrari 458, a luxury sports car known for its speed and performance.
Offence: Speeding (80 mph in a 60 mph zone) on the M4 motorway, West London.
How he got off: Cowell successfully appealed the driving ban, arguing that his career required him to be able to drive.
Comments: Cowell did not comment publicly on the speeding incident but was reportedly grateful that he had managed to avoid the ban, knowing it would severely impact his work.
