An actor famed for roles in EastEnders and James Bond films has been spared a driving ban after a heartfelt court appearance where he detailed the severe health struggles of his wife and daughter.
Emotional Plea in Court
Colin Salmon, 64, wept as he addressed Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court in south-west London. The actor pleaded guilty to driving his 22-year-old silver Suzuki Wagon at 24mph in a 20mph zone on Old Oak Road, Acton, on March 31. A speed camera captured the offence at 7.17am, not far from his £1.2 million family home in Shepherd's Bush.
This latest infringement meant Salmon, who already had nine penalty points on his licence, faced an automatic six-month disqualification. However, magistrates ruled that disqualifying him would cause 'exceptional hardship' to his family.
A Family in Need of Care
Bench chairman Mark Stollery noted that Salmon is the main breadwinner and carer for his family, with several members having life-limiting conditions. The actor outlined the serious health battles faced by his artist wife, Fiona Hawthorne, and their daughter, Sasha.
Salmon explained that his wife suffers from interstitial lung disease, leaving her dependent on an oxygen tank. After developing a secondary condition, she was initially deemed unsuitable for a transplant in the UK. Thanks to health insurance from his US work, Fiona underwent a double lung transplant in Chicago on June 20, 2024. She remains terminally ill with a severely compromised immune system.
His daughter Sasha was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer, in 2019. The court also heard that his son, Ben, is high-functioning autistic and can become overwhelmed in public. Salmon stated he is needed to drive his wife and daughter to frequent medical appointments at Harefield Hospital and elsewhere.
Career Sacrifices and Charitable Work
Salmon told the court he abandoned his international acting career to take a role on BBC's EastEnders in 2022, primarily to stay close to home for emergencies. He plays ex-boxer George Knight. 'They don't offer cars. You have got to get yourself to and from work,' he said, emphasising his need for a licence.
Magistrates also considered his extensive charitable commitments, which require travel. These include:
- Running a steel drum band that supports older performers.
- Being an ambassador for The King's Trust.
- Teaching cricket to inmates at HMP Portland and HMP Oakwood.
- Playing for the charitable Lord's Taverners cricket team.
The actor was fined £666, with £130 in costs and a £266 victim surcharge. He received three further penalty points, bringing his total to twelve, but avoided a ban.
Salmon expressed remorse, stating: 'I am embarrassed and ashamed... I feel strongly about speeding near schools so to do this is ridiculous.' He confirmed he has since fitted a radar device to his car.
