After being caught speeding (not for the first time) TV star Steve Coogan escaped a lengthy driving ban after arguing that his new series featuring his Alan Partridge character could not be filmed on public transport.
Having been caught driving his Porsche at 36mph in a 30mph zone he earnt a three-point endorsement on his driving licence. Having nine points already on his licence from previous offences he faced an automatic six-month ban.
Magistrates in Crawley instead decided to ban him from driving for two months after hearing that a lengthier time off the road would force him to cancel an Alan Partridge travelogue series he is set to make for the BBC.
Mr Coogan told the court he was due to start filming his new TV series in October where his character Alan Partridge drives to various locations around Britain meeting people:
The defendant argued three points:
- That the camera shots could not be faked
- His character would not have used public transport
- The production company has between 15 and 20 staff ready to film the series who would otherwise find it difficult to find replacement work at such short notice.
The court heard that Mr Coogan had a history of speeding offences in the past and had attended a driver awareness course only two months previous.
The chair of the magistrates bench, said they had taken into account the “exceptional hardship” it would cause other TV professionals if the series had to be cancelled.
Mr Coogan was given three penalty points and disqualified him from driving for two months. He was also fined £750 with £85 court costs and a £75 victim surcharge.
For more information
Our specialist and highly experienced Motor Crime Team have helped many drivers keep their licence due to extreme hardship cases. If you have been cautioned by the police for a motoring offence or have received a summons to appear in court, please contact Roger Brice, Senior Partner and Head of Gepp Solicitors Motor Law Team on 01206 369889 or via e-mail.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
