Britpop legend Richard Ashcroft has been handed a six-month driving disqualification and ordered to pay almost £3,000 after being caught speeding on a major London motorway.
Court Hearing Details and Previous Offences
Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court heard the case on Wednesday 7 January 2026. The court was told that Ashcroft, 54, was driving his green 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class on 19 February last year. He was recorded travelling at 48mph in a 40mph zone on the elevated section of the M4 in Brentford, West London.
The musician, whose address was given as Richmond-upon-Thames, did not attend the hearing but entered a guilty plea to the single speeding charge. His defence solicitor, Conall Bailie, conveyed Ashcroft's apologies for his absence, citing a prior commitment that could not be changed.
The court learned that Ashcroft already had nine penalty points on his licence from three previous speeding offences committed between 16 December 2022 and 21 October 2024.
Judge's Sentencing and Financial Penalty
In delivering the sentence, District Judge Daniel Benjamin stated that Ashcroft's excessive speed had placed other road users at a "risk of harm". The judge further commented that the singer had committed this latest offence "without any intention of abiding by the speed limit".
As a result, Ashcroft received an additional three points on his licence. With the existing nine points, this triggered a mandatory six-month driving ban under the totting-up procedure.
He was also ordered to pay a total of £2,755. This sum comprises a fine, a statutory victim surcharge, and costs for the prosecution. Mr Bailie confirmed to the court that Ashcroft possessed the necessary financial means to settle the full amount immediately.
Ashcroft's Career and Recent Activities
The 'Sonnet' singer, who rose to fame as the frontman of The Verve, has maintained a high profile. He was recently a support act on the UK and Ireland legs of Oasis's hugely anticipated 2025 reunion tour.
Ashcroft shares a long-standing friendship with both Liam and Noel Gallagher. Noel famously wrote the Oasis track "Cast No Shadow" from the album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? as a tribute to the Lancashire-born vocalist.
Since The Verve disbanded in 2009, Ashcroft has forged a successful solo career, releasing six top 10 albums. His most recent work is 2021's Acoustic Hymns Vol 1, which features reimagined versions of songs from his solo and Verve catalogue. Liam Gallagher joined him for a duet on that album.
