Dawn French banned from driving for six months

Comedian and actress Dawn French has been disqualified from driving for six months following a speeding offence in Plymouth. The 68-year-old pleaded guilty at Plymouth Magistrates' Court after being caught by an automatic speed camera on July 11 last year while driving a Mini Clubman Cooper S Sport on Mannamead Road.

The disqualification was triggered by the UK’s “totting-up” procedure. French had nine penalty points on her licence prior to the incident; the new offence pushed her total to 12 points, which mandates a six-month ban under driving regulations.

In addition to the driving ban, French was ordered to pay a total of £930, consisting of a £600 fine, a £240 victim surcharge, and £90 in court costs.